The Cash for Clunkers program is apparently helping Ford the most. Among the top 6 carmakers, Ford had the largest year-over-year increase in sales at 2.3%.
Other US carmakers did not fare quite as well with sales drops for both GM and Chrysler. Hyundai and VW, however, posted increases of 12% and 1% respectively. Others reported drops.
It seems that buyers are purchasing mid-size and compact vehicles but not necessarily hybrids, as evidenced by rise in sales of the Ford Focus. Hyundai and VW also mostly manufacture smaller vehicles.
Numbers for hybrid sales are not available, but any significant increase would have helped Toyota. But, Toyota is reporting a decrease in sales.
Ford’s increase cannot be explained merely by the quality of its offerings or its advertising programs. It seems that Americans are rewarding the company for not taking bail-out money.
Ford continues to function as an independent, American-owned, privately-owned company that is not yet under union control. Alan Mulally should be rewarded for his smart management practices.
