US: Ford posts sales up 6%, touts small car, big truck gains

USA TODAY - Ford Motor today reported U.S. sales of 177,673 in November, up 6% from a year ago, a single-digit gain that is likely to lag the industry average gain when results are in.

The company said that sales for its expanded small-car lineup (Focus, Fiesta and new C-Max hybrids), however, were up 76% to 26,848 in the month and sales of its big F-series pickups were up 18% to 56,299, the best November for the trucks since 2005.

Ford also touted the sales success of its hybrids, setting a company record by selling more than 6,000 in November. It tops the previous record, 5,353 in July 2009, at the height of the government's cash-for-clunkers program.

That still leaves Toyota the biggest hybrid player, by far. Its hybrid sales average more than 23,000 a month this year.

Year-to-date Ford has increased its share of U.S. hybrid sales to 11%.

November was the first full month of sales for Ford's redesigned Fusion hybrid model and its new C-Max hybrid and plug-in hybrid rival for the Toyota Prius V. C-Max outsold Prius V 3,182 to 2,769 last month, the company says, and its sales rose to 4,848 in November.

Ford says 27% of Fusion retail orders are for the hybrid model.Ford will begin building a plug-in Fusion hybrid this month.

Ford also announced its 2013 first-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 750,000 vehicles in the first quarter, up 11 percent (73,000 vehicles) from 2012's first quarter. Fourth quarter production of 725,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

Ford also announced its 2013 first-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 750,000 vehicles in the first quarter, up 11 percent (73,000 vehicles) from 2012's first quarter. Fourth quarter production of 725,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

Ford also announced its 2013 first-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 750,000 vehicles in the first quarter, up 11 percent (73,000 vehicles) from 2012's first quarter. Fourth quarter production of 725,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.