U.S. sales of Ford Motor Co.’s large SUVs proved resilient last month as the automaker’s total deliveries declined 5.5%, but the potential for rising gas prices in the wake of the start of the Iran war could be a future challenge.
The Dearborn automaker sold 149,962 vehicles last month, down from 158,675, because of fewer electrified vehicle deliveries and discontinued products. Following the end of the federal plug-in vehicle tax credit in September, sales of all-electric vehicles declined by 71%, while hybrids fell almost 22% following the end of production of the Escape crossover, which had hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Large SUVs, however, increased more than 30%.
Dealer services provider Cox Automotive Inc. forecasted new-vehicle sales volume in February to finish at 1.19 million, down 3.4% from the same month in 2025. That makes for a seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales of about 15.6 million, a decline from last year’s 16 million, but improved from a slower weather-affected January.
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. sales rose 1.1%, Kia Corp.’s increased by 4%. Subaru Corp.’s fell 8.2% and Mazda Motor Corp.’s were basically flat. General Motors Co. and Chrysler and Jeep parent Stellantis NV will report first-quarter sales in April.
If not for the sunsetting of the Escape, Edge and Lincoln Corsair, Ford sales would’ve been up 1.5%, the automaker noted. Executives are seeking to move crossover consumers into vehicles like the Bronco Sport, Explorer and Maverick as alternatives. The company is prioritizing orders for customers replacing the discontinued crossovers and has offered deals on SUVs and its annual “Truck Month” promotion.
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Ford’s gas- and diesel-powered vehicles that account for a majority of sales were basically flat. There was a 16% decline in F-Series pickup trucks, including a 76% drop of the now-discontinued F-150 Lightning. An aluminum shortage spurred by fires last fall at a supplier had affected truck assembly. Full production at the Novelis Inc. hot mill in New York is expected to be running at full capacity as early as May.
Despite the declines, Ford highlighted that its large SUVs had their best February sales in 26 years. Expedition rose 27% for a best start of the year in five years, Explorer increased by 33% and Bronco, with an all-time record annual start, was up 28%. Ford told dealers this week it’s bringing back Bronco’s desert-running Wildtrak package. It also launched a new generation of the Expedition last year and expanded the Explorer lineup at the high and low ends.
“These SUVs are at the higher end, but we’ve also had really good at the lower end, as well,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s head of U.S. sales analysis. “What we’re doing with Explorer is we’re broadening our customer base.”
The base Explorer Active was up 46%, while the higher-end Explorer Platinum was up 31%.
Gas prices on Tuesday, however, were on average almost $3.20, up from almost $3.10 a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association. Crude oil prices were around $82 per barrel, but analysts were forecasting the war could send that up to $120.
That could spell trouble for gas-guzzlers like SUVs and trucks. Ford is monitoring the situation, spokesperson Said Deep said, but noted the company’s updated models are more fuel efficient than older vehicles and come with more economic powertrain options than V-8s and other high-powered engines on the market.
Merkle said: “We’ve done a lot to make them more fuel efficient, so that’s been a part of the appeal as well.”
Escape customer also are looking to the Bronco Sport, which had its best February sales ever, up 12%. Across Ford’s portfolio, off-road performance vehicles rose 15%.
Related: Bronco RTR shows Ford’s off-road bet, even amid affordability woes
Lincoln’s 12% increase was an additional highlight, driven by a 50% increase in Aviator sales. Navigator also increased 32%. Nautilus was roughly flat. The Ford Mustang coupe also increased 55%.
Ranger midsize truck sales rose 30%, and Maverick increased 1%. The Transit commercial van declined by 5%. Mustang Mach-E fell 54%.
Related: How Ford’s ‘skunkworks’ team is designing a more efficient EV
Related: Ford’s ‘refined’ EV plans seek Model e profitability: Here’s how
Ford plans to launch an all-electric midsize pickup starting at $30,000 next year, the first of its next-generation EVs for North America on a new ground-up-developed platform. That will be key to Ford achieving profitability in its Model e EV division by 2029.
bnoble@detroitnews.com
@BreanaCNoble
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Ford’s February sales down, but large SUVs resilient
Reporting by Breana Noble, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
