Ford's fuel efficient cars posts impressive sales amid US auto market slump

Mumbai: Higher demand for the fuel-efficient Ford Focus and Ford Escape continued in August, as consumers continued moving to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford Focus sales were up 23 per cent and Escape sales were up 17 per cent compared to previous year sales in the same period.

Overall, in August, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle sales totaled 151,021, down 26 per cent compared to August 07 sales.The impact of a weak economy and lower demand for large trucks and SUVs due to soaring oil prices resulted in double-digit sales decline for Ford.

August sales marked the 10th straight month of declining sales in the US auto market, making it the longest such downturn since the 2001 recession. Along with Ford leading auto firms such as General Motors, Toyota Motors and Chrysler LLC showed drop in sales for the month of August.

The 2009 Escape, with its new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, delivers class-leading highway fuel economy of 28 mpg, matching the 2009 Toyota RAV4 and topping the Honda CR-V. The 2009 Escape Hybrid delivers 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle available.

The 2009 Focus has an  impressive fuel economy with an EPA highway fuel economy of 35 mpg.

"We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half, as weak economic conditions and the consumer credit crunch continues," said a top company official.

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