Ford Motor Co. outsold Toyota Motor Corp. in April

[safeinOhio]

Source: Detroit Freepress

Ford Motor Co. outsold Toyota Motor Corp. in April — the first time the Dearborn automaker has bested the Japanese automaker in at least a year.



For April, Ford — which has been distinguishing itself as the “different” American automaker that is surviving without federal assistance — sold 134,401 cars and trucks. Toyota sold 126,540.

Read more: http://freep.com/article/20090501/BUSINESS01/90501053/Ford+outsells+Toyota

---

The bigger Toyota gets, the more like GM it becomes.

[BlooInBloo]

1. Cool - the protectionist tariffs on imports are working.

[joshcryer]

14. 2.5% Big deal.

:rofl:

[OmahaBlueDog]

19. A win is a win is a win

Go Ford!

[nyy1998]

18. It's probably more just Ford is doing a better job

marketing the high-quality cars. We used to own a Ford and we drive two Toyoto-brand vehicles now but buying a Ford in the future wouldn't be a bad idea. The Fusion hybrid might be a real winner for Ford in the future.

[Lucky Luciano]

27. My first guess is that Ford is simply taking market share from GM and Chrysler

because consumers know the risk of BK is higher for both (though Chrysler obviously filed yesterday).

Chrysler sales were down 36%, GM down 34%, and Ford down 31.4%.

Actually...now second guessing my assumption with Toyota sales down 42%.

[Honeycombe8]

64. Actually, as a possible new car buy soon, I am considering Ford.

The reason is NOT that I won't consider GM. The reason is that Ford has been improving its quality and reliability on some of its vehicles, per Consumer Reports.

AND it has come out with a hybrid SUV (Ford Escape Hybrid).

In other words, Ford has become competitive.

GM and Chrysler still are not. They don't have any cars w/a cargo area, that I know of, that are highly reliable and get good gas mileage in the city. (I don't care about highway gas mileage. I rarely drive on highways.)

[anonymous171]

41. Sweet. Protectionism FTW! nt

[high density]

2. If I were looking at buying a new car, I would definitely take a close look at the Fusion/Milan

It seems to be way ahead of what Chrysler and GM are offering for the price range.

[lutefisk]

7. Nice car. Probably one of the best cars made in Mexico. . . n/t

[OmahaBlueDog]

23. If we're to help a foreign country, let it be a neighbor

A stronger Mexican economy is in our best interest, for a lot of reasons.

[goclark]

60. I just got a Ford Fusion and I like it

My payments sure beat the Mercedes.
The gas costs are a dream to me.
It gets me where I want to go with a load of options and I got a 5 yr. maintenance agreement and no down payment.

I loved my Mercedes but the upkeep and the gas was way more than I needed in this economy.

[Danmel]

67. I'm very happy with my Milan

So far so good- reliable, mileage is OK, comfortable

I got a lot of car for the money. Mine's a 2007.

[Qutzupalotl]

3. That's good news. eom

[StarryNite]

4. Awesome!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[depakid]

5. One would hope so, considering the programs that cover payments for buyers who lose their jobs.

If that's not a powerful incentive in the current economic climate, I don't know what is.

[Itchinjim]

6. Ford builds a damn good car.

And no company builds a better truck.

[AtheistCrusader]

22. My Nissan Frontier would like a word with you...

But some of the upscale Ford trucks do have nice fit and finish. But that's not what a truck is about. Call me when Ford offers manual (6 speed please) transmissions in their standard truck lineup.

[crimsonblue]

8. Much of Ford's turnaround is due to their CEO, Alan Mulally.

Before he became CEO at Ford, Mulally was CEO at Beoing. Once he got to Detroit, he started right away to evaluate the company, and began the painful process of modernizing the company, meaning that factory upgrades and needed layoffs couldn't wait. Contrast this to GM, that kept doing the failed old things hoping for a new result. Oh, did I mention that Mulally is a University of Kansas grad? :D

[Glenda]

63. what year did he start at Ford? n/t

[Bankhead_ATL]

9. Come on GM lets get it going

[DavidDvorkin]

10. This is in the US?

I couldn't tell from the article, but I'm assuming that's US sales, not worldwide.

[merwin]

11. I would assume so. 130,000 is a small number for worldwide sales

:)

[Vidar]

12. Good for Ford.

[madrchsod]

13. ford makes a better car than toyota.

[joshcryer]

15. Yep. It did take them time to catch up, but they did.

Unlike GM.

[knitter4democracy]

17. Darn right they do. I love mine.

And when it dies years from now, I'll replace it with another Ford. I had a Subaru that was worth more with less in it than my Ford Freestyle (now the Taurus X), and it paled in comparison. Best car I've ever had.

[depakid]

21. It's a good thing someone thinks so- because the real story buried beneath this fluffly spin:

Ford U.S. sales fall 31.6 percent in April

http://uk.reuters.com/article/motoringAutoNews/idUKTRE5405ID20090501

[Psephos]

35. and the rest of the story is that Toyota sales were down 42% in April

The whole industry has cratered, because no one wants to spend money right now...but underlying demand will keep building. Cars do not last forever. Satisfying pent-up demand in the future is going to bring some serious revenues to carmakers as the recession switches to expansion.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200905011533DOWJONESDJONLINE000605_FORTUNE5.htm

[depakid]

36. "as the recession switches to expansion" -gas prices will rise toward $5.00 per gallon again

and keep rising.

Smart companies- the ones that succeed, will keep that in mind. Others will either have to catch up- or will fail in the US market.

[Psephos]

48. Maybe this will come in handy when that happens...

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/04/ford-hybrid-goes-1445-miles-on-one-tank/

[depakid]

50. That's a start!

though normal driving conditons are usually better indications over time.

[proud progressive]

29. give me a break!

by most every rating, toyota has been the top rated car company for years. but i guess all that changes now because ford won the month of april. good grief!

[TommyO]

45. Toyota has also had a bumper crop of recalls over the past several years

Though I guess since they're not an American car company, they get a pass for that.

[imdjh]

32. Let me know when Tundra starts spitting spark plugs

[uncle ray]

37. i wonder who the lucky buyer was

who got the one better car.

too bad ford can't build them ALL better.

[rollingrock]

16. This is no surprise

Ford is capturing the market of former GM customers moving away from GM due to the company's financial problems but prefer to stick with a domestic brand.

[OmahaBlueDog]

20. I have two Fords in my driveway

If they can bring over that little Ford Focus Diesel from Europe that gets 65mpg, #3 will appear quickly.

[SteelPenguin]

24. I'm curious about GM's numbers

The article mentions distress at GM, but nothing specific. I wonder how much of this is people swtiching from a purchase of a GM vehicle to a Ford because of insecurity over GM's longevity.

[depakid]

28. GM sales down 34% compared with 31.6% for Ford

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10495347/1/gm-sales-down-34-but-hope-rises.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN

Which is not so bad in comparison, all things considered.

[emmadoggy]

25. Good for Ford.

I've never been a fan - and I swore off the brand forever after a really bad experience with a Ford Ranger back in the mid to late 90's. However, I will admit some of their new vehicles look pretty sharp.

Still don't know if I would buy one (actually, the car we want for our next vehicle is a Mazda and I know they have a "familial" relationship with Ford), but I'm glad they are doing well.

[safeinOhio]

31. Mazda, only Japan car built by UAW.

[emmadoggy]

44. Good to know. Thanks. nt

[xchrom]

26. recommend

[liberal N proud]

30. Good

[tinrobot]

33. Love my Ford Escape Hybrid

Quality construction, 36mpg and it's made in Kansas City.

[SeeHopeWin]

34. I bought a Ford Hybrid on April 29th

That's why :)

Never thought I would own or buy an American car in my life!

Obama sold me on AMERICA!

[wundermaus]

38. I doubt the accuracy of the report.

Fords are lousy cars. Chevy's not much better. Chrysler? Junk.
Toyota and Honda build excellent cars.
Don't believe me?
Look up the stats on Consumer reports.

They are no contest.

[safeinOhio]

40. You entitled to your opinion as is CR

Then there are the sales, rising stock price and J.D. Powers.
Now, I'm sure there are people in other countries that could replace you in your job and do it better and cheaper.

[wundermaus]

51. No doubt about it.

All of us are replaceable. I guarantee that in 150 years, every one of us (even you, big shot) will be. So what is your point of such a comment. To wound? To insult? To diminish or marginalize that which you fear?

American workers can be and are just as good a worker as any one else on the planet. No better nor worse. The arrogance of western centric superiority is a myth. In a level playing field, we are not competitive producers, we become rendered consumers because culturally, we are narcissists.

[safeinOhio]

54. I can not be replaced

I'm fucking retired.

My post was in reference to your generalization of American autos. You misrepresent CR and ignore JD Powers. Your rant about the wonders of globalization fall in line with multinational corporate plans to marginalize the middle class and labor. However, that is only my opinion and you, of course, are welcome to your own.

[wundermaus]

57. Can't be replaced? Ha!

"I'm Fucking Retired." Congratulations, you're ready for planting.
And oh, yes you can be replaced.
You did work once upon a time, right? Replaced!

I do not misrepresent CR, you do.
Recent favorable reviews of American cars is a matter of too little, too late.
American made cars (Ford, Chevy, Chrysler) have been crap for decades.
Your next Ford or Chevy will most likely be built in Mexico or China.
How's that multinational corporate crap working out for you, consumer?
JD Powers is a marketing tool biased toward American cars.
I don't need to read a rag to know which way the wind blows.
Corporate ownership is a failed business model.
When Corporations fail, the employees should take them over and run them as employee based businesses.
Not shareholder based, but Owner based.
That is the new business model and the future.
The elites have skimmed off the profit and value of the American worker and shared none of the rewards.
The corporate elite are parasites that feed off the blood, sweat, and tears of American workers.
Too big to fail means to big to exist. Break up the trusts and monopolies!

[quiller4]

42. Current issue sure doesn't think Fords are lousy

Ford Edge, Ford Focus, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Ford Espedition and Ford Fusion all got Consumer Report recommendations.

[wundermaus]

52. Impressive reviews now, but histroically Ford made dogs.

We'll see how they hold up. I have purchased many cars over my life time (been around for over half a century) and base on my experience, I wouldn't buy another American made car. Open the hood of any Toyota and then open the hood of any Ford, Chevy, or Chrysler... there is no comparison. The Japanese made car is engineered with every part beautifully refined, the American counter part looks like a pizza exploded.

[spoony]

53. You seem to have made a mistake in your avatar.

It's the American flag, and the US represented. Take your anti-domestic bullshit and eat it, and top it off with some "how do you like them apples" pie.

[safeinOhio]

55. Damn, if we were only like Japan

Had gov. health care, $5.00/gallon tax on fuel and the worlds most restrictive laws on auto safety and quality. Did I leave out tariffs, that if we had you'd never afford a Japan made car.

[wundermaus]

59. Anti-Domestic Bullshit!

Ha! By that you mean Anti- American? What's the matter, calling out Corporate America as a failed business model too much for you to understand? I'm not Anti-American, nor am I anti-Union. On the contrary, I am fiercely Pro-American and Pro-Union. The American Auto industry has been raped by Corporate and Union Corruption. Get your head out of your ass for a minute and look at the real enemy. The Politicians, Elites, and Corporate masters are doing a great job of keeping the people at each other's throats. Wake the fuck up! You are being played! We are ALL being played. Now, I'll have a cup of coffee with that pie.

[Danmel]

68. Actually a lot of Fords are recommended by CR

The Milan was the best mid sized car the year I bought mine. it is rated much better than average for reliabilty and was a recommended. So are other Ford products.

[safeinOhio]

39. This is a big deal for me

Ford Motor Company is the source of my pension and health care. Thanks everyone.

[southerncrone]

58. Ours, too. IT IS A BIG DEAL!

But all things are relative, I suppose. Maybe we're just selfish, safe in Ohio, but I want Ford profits to materialize in the US, want them paying US taxes & hiring US citizens in their plants here. Yes, they have plants overseas, but most are here in US. Not to mention the supplier's plants that operate here.

[RB TexLa]

43. And just think as late as Feb you could have bought shares of it for as low as $1.58

Just a $100 investment at that price would be worth $377 today. Could be an even nicer profit the day GM files their bankruptcy.

[safeinOhio]

46. Funny you should mention that

In March I bought 500 shares at $1.82. Sold them last week for $5.24.
Now I wouldn't have sold them, except I had bought 1,000 at $5.18 at the first of the year. I usually buy a stock, it goes up, I keep it, it goes down. By doing this, it really turns out I only paid 3 something for the first 1000.
Now, if it just goes up to 10 or 20 bucks......

[RB TexLa]

47. I think with Ford's newfound position $10 a share is very realistic in not that long a time frame.

[blue_onyx]

49. If I had some money earlier this year

I would've bought some stock in Ford and GM. I would still buy some now if I had money to invest.

[Purveyor]

56. I'm seeing a lot of new Fords on the road as of late. Ford Motor has a golden opportunity here with

the good PR it is receiving for not taking gov't funds for a bailout.

[No Elephants]

61. Good news, and good news is a precious commodity these days. Glad that Ford is making a good hybrid

[fujiyama]

62. Good for Ford

We should wait to see if this is actually a long term trend or a short term pick up of potential Chrysler and GM buyers, though ultimately the closing of one is bad news for all because of the common supplier base so a sales pick up may be offset by other problems.

Ford has had an interesting line up over the last few years and more should be out for 2010. The Fusion has generated a lot of positive buzz and their refusal to take bailout money has given them a positive PR boost as well. Both Consumer Reports and JD Power have concluded their quality and reliability are comparable to that of Toyota. Plus, Ford has some good deals on cars right now. You can probably get a Ford loaded with a bunch of options than the comparable Toyota model for a lot less.

Meanwhile, Toyota has expanded to a very large level and quality issues have crept up...inevitable I suppose, which is along with poor sales is why they are closing plants and cutting back production.

[tabasco]

65. This is just in the US, I beleive.

It is a poorly written artice.

But I'm glad for Ford. I hope they have something worth buying in a couple years.

I had two Rangers. The first was a four-banger and a great truck. Of course, I had to upgrade to the six and the club cab and got a piece of garbage Ranger that was trouble from day one. I've driven a little Toyota Echo for five years and honestly have had zero problems. It is a really well-built little car and the first Japanese car I have owned.

[quiller4]

69. They have plenty woth buying now and great cars coming

I, too, had an older Ranger. We actually sold an 85 Toyota Truck to buy and 86 Ranger. It was a great truck. My husband still has the 95 F 150 we bought new. It isn't fancy but it has been super reliable--never a breakdown and getting close to 200,000 miles.

[Dark]

66. But I thought the automakers we're all in trouble because greedy unions abused innocent CEOs

nt