Ford Motor Co.’s U.S. sales declined almost 14% year-over-year in May, despite the introduction last month of employee discounted pricing for all.
The Dearborn automaker cited the discontinuation of the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair crossovers as well as reduced daily rental volumes for the decline. Without those, Ford said sales would’ve been down 1%, according to the company.
Cox Automotive Inc. ahead of the results was forecasting a flat May for the industry resulting from low consumer confidence and higher gas prices balanced by stock market growth and larger tax returns. With Ford discontinuing a few models and its next major vehicle launch not happening until 2027, analysts had forecasted the automaker would struggle to keep pace in 2026.
The best-selling trucks in the United States, F-Series pickups and cabs, fell 13% as the company still works through limited inventory from an aluminum shortage stemming from multiple fires last fall at a supplier. The smaller Ranger fell 23%, and Maverick rose 10% to a May record with its best sales month for its hybrid version. The Transit commercial van grew 4.2%, including a 22% decrease for the electric version.
Ford SUVs fell 21%, though large SUVs still are marking their best start to a year in 25 years. Explorer grew 8.8%, and Bronco rose 5.2% to a May record. But Bronco Sport dropped 8.3%, and Expedition declined 24%, though it had its best monthly retail share in six years. The electric Mustang Mach-E fell 44%. The Mustang coupe declined 1.8%.
Lincoln sales also declined 21% with all models down: Nautilus at 7.6%, Aviator at 6.1% and Navigator at 10.8%.
Ford is offering employee pricing for all through the July 4 weekend to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The automaker in 2025 had a similar promotion through the summer in response to uncertainty created by new tariffs introduced by the Trump administration.
In May, Subaru Inc. reported U.S. sales were up 10%, Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.’s increased 3%, Kia Corp.’s rose 11% to a monthly record and Mazda Motor Corp.’s rose 35%. General Motors Co. and Chrysler and Jeep parent Stellantis NV will report second-quarter sales in July.
bnoble@detroitnews.com
@BreanaCNoble
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Ford sales dropped by double digits in May. Here’s why
Reporting by Breana Noble, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
