(By Balaseshan) Automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) reported a 22% jump in January U.S. sales, due to higher demand for fuel-efficient vehicles as well as strong demand for vehicles like Fusion, Taurus, Escape, Explorer, F-Series, and Transit Connect.
Total vehicles for the month of January increased to 166,501 units from 136,710 units. Sales from Ford brand climbed 23.3% to 162,310 vehicles, while Lincoln sales fell 18.2% to 4,191 vehicles.
Type-wise, Ford cars sales jumped 39.3% to 54,816 units, with Focus, Fiesta, Fusion and Taurus showing huge growth in sales. Fusion sales jumped 65% and its best January sales ever. In addition, Ford's small car sales were up 29% in January with 23,171 Fiesta, Focus and C-MAX hybrid models sold, marking Ford's best January small car sales since 2000.
Ford utilities sales grew 24.2% to 48,867 units for the month of January with Escape, Edge, Flex and Explorer posting double-digit sales growth. Explorer sales climbed 46% versus a year ago, marking Explorer's best January sales since 2005.
Trucks sales increased 10.8% to 58,627 units for January with F-Series, E-Series, Transit Connect and Heavy Trucks showing double-digit growth in sales, despite no Ranger sales.
America's best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, begins 2013 with a 22% increase versus last January. With 46,841 pickups sold, F-Series marks its 18th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect and E-Series also had strong starts to the year.
"Ford is off to a strong start this year, with Fusion and Escape delivering January sales records and F-Series seeing a particularly strong reception this early in the year. Our investment in fuel-efficient new vehicles – including EcoBoost engines and hybrid technology – continues to pay off," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.
Meanwhile, General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) posted a 16% jump in U.S. sales for January amid strong Cadillac and crossover sales. The Detroit, Michigan-based auto giant reported sales of 194,699 vehicles in the United States last month. Chevrolet and GMC sales rose 11% and 23%, respectively, while Buick and Cadillac sales surged 32% and 47%.
F is trading up 0.46% at $13.01 on Friday. The stock has been trading between $8.82 and $14.30 for the past 52 weeks.