RPO83

New monthly sales records set by Ford Escape, Explorer and F-Series Super Duty

OAKVILLE, Ont., June 3, 2003 – Ford of Canada sales are off to a fast start in the all-important spring selling season with consumers in Canada purchasing 28,460 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles in May, a 5.2 per cent increase from the same month last year. Truck sales rose 6.1 per cent to 19,053 units, and car sales were up 3.4 per cent at 9,407 units. Ford and Lincoln SUV sales set a new May record at 5,763 units, a 27.9-per-cent increase.

"Canadians recognize that this is a great time to buy a new car or truck – the value is out there. And as we count down to Ford's 100th anniversary on June 16, we're seeing strong sales of such automotive icons as Mustang, Thunderbird and Explorer," said Robert Girard, vice president of sales, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited.


"In fact, SUV sales show no sign of slowing and Ford has the two best-selling SUVs in Canada with Ford Explorer in the top spot, followed by Ford Escape coming off its best May ever."


Best Lincoln May sales in 24 years

Overall Lincoln sales increased 13.7 per cent in May, the brand's best sales performance since 1979, driven by strong sales of Navigator, the all-new Aviator and of Town Car which delivered its best May in 15 years.


May Highlights


Ford Escape scored its best May ever with a 44.6 per cent increase, marking six consecutive months of year-over-year increases
Ford Mustang started off the spring selling season with a 34.7 per cent sales increase, its best May in 14 years
Ford Explorer scored its best May ever with a 1.9-per-cent increase, maintaining its title as Canada's best-selling SUV
Ford Focus sales jumped 20.9 per cent
Ford Ranger sales increased 10.6 per cent
Ford Windstar sales were up 3.5 per cent
Ford F-Series Super Duty sales set a new May record with a 0.9-per-cent increase

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*Retired.