Ford sales down, but better than expected

Ford today announced a sales decline of 1.9 percent for May 2006, when compared with May 2005. While not particularly encouraging, the numbers are much better than the double-digit declines some analysts had expected. Ford Fusion posted its best sales month, with 14,940 units sold -- an 18 percent increase over the previous best month (April). Combined sales for the company's new mid-size sedans (Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr) were 20,267. In the truck category, Ford's crossover utilities (CUVs) were higher than a year ago as combined sales of the Ford Escape, Ford Freestyle, and Mercury Mariner were up 12 percent. Overall, Ford brand sales were down 2.7 percent, Mercury was up 0.5 percent, Lincoln was up 8.2 percent, Land Rover was up 38.6 percent, Volvo was down 6.2 percent, and Jaguar was down 12 percent. Overall, Mazda sales were up 3 percent. Mazda car sales were up 9 percent, thanks to a 255% gain by the MX-5. Mazda truck sales fell 21 percent.