RPO83

OAKVILLE, Ont., February 3, 2003 – Sales of Ford and Lincoln SUVs hit an all-time January record at 3,209 units – a 24 per cent increase from the same month last year – and Lincoln brand sales increased 34 per cent.

Overall, consumers in Canada purchased 15,712 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles in January, a 6.7 per cent decrease from the same month last year. Truck sales fell 3.2 per cent to 11,011 units while car sales dropped 14.1 per cent to 4,701 units.

"The popularity of SUVs continues to grow in Canada. People here require vehicles to be flexible, functional, with all-weather capabilities, and many find that combination in our class-leading SUVs," said Torrey Galida, vice president of marketing, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited.

"Now the all-new 2003 Lincoln Aviator mid-size luxury SUV is landing at local dealerships," Galida added. "The Aviator offers consumers distinguished design and athletic performance, along with the most flexible seating, roomiest cabin and best towing capability in its class."

Lincoln sales increase 34%

The 179.7-per-cent increase in sales of the redesigned Lincoln Town Car helped boost overall Lincoln sales by 34 per cent in January. Lincoln Navigator, the full-size luxury SUV in the lineup, recorded a 9.7 per cent sales increase compared to last January.

January Highlights

Ford Escape scored its best January ever with a 19.3 per cent increase.
Ford Explorer sales jumped 26.7 per cent
Ford Excursion sales increased 31.1 per cent
Ford Expedition sales were up 12.0 per cent

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*Retired.