FORD CANADA INCREASES MARKET SHARE FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH

Image via Wikipedia

Sales success fueled by award-winning Ford Fusion

March Highlights:

• Ford Fusion sales rose 25%
• Ford Explorer sales increased 4%
• Ford crossover sales rose 13%
• F-Series is the best-selling nameplate in Canada
• Ford Escape is the best-selling small SUV in Canada
• Ford has the best selling compact pickup with Ford Ranger

OAKVILLE, Ontario, April 1, 2009 – Market share increased for the fifth consecutive month at Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited led by sales of the Ford Fusion. Fusion, which recently achieved “Top Safety Pick” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), saw its sales increase 25.3 per cent compared to last March.

"Ford of Canada is really building strong momentum in a tough market. We have seven new products coming in the next six months, including the 2010 Ford Fusion which is already arriving in dealerships," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "In fact, the very first 2010 Ford Fusion sold in Canada was recently delivered to a customer at Dixie Ford Sales of Mississauga, Ontario."

And with fuel economy for the Fusion Hybrid at 4.6 L/ 100 km in the city and 5.4 L/ 100 km on the highway, Ford is now the producer of the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans, gas or hybrid, on the planet.

"Industry-wide, auto sales in Canada have now dropped for five consecutive months. That's why we're urging the federal government to offer a consumer stimulus program that will help to stem this rapid decline," said Mondragon. "For example, offering consumers $3,500 to turn in a 10 year or older vehicle, helps Canadians who need it most, benefits the environment as older, higher polluting vehicles are taken off the roads, and spurs sales in an industry that is critical to the Canadian economy."

Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited
March 2009 Vehicle Sales

	2009	2008	% Change
Total Vehicles
March	17,055	20,083	-15.1
January - March	39,857	46,870	-15.0
Total Cars
March	3,980	4,303	-7.5
January - March	8,425	10,406	-19.0
Total Trucks
March	13,075	15,780	-17.1
January - March	31,432	36,464	-13.8