Ford's Q3 US Sales Fall 6.6% on Model Discontinuations, Shift to Hybrids

Ford Motor Company's third-quarter U.S. sales fell 6.6% from the prior year, a decline the automaker attributed to the phasing out of its Escape and Lincoln Corsair crossover models. The company reported total sales of 509,764 vehicles for the quarter, according to a statement released Friday.

Shifting Sales Mix

While overall sales were down, Ford saw resilience in its truck division and strong growth in models with hybrid options. The results highlight a clear shift in consumer preference toward more fuel-efficient vehicles.

• Total Q3 Sales: 509,764 units (down 6.6% year-over-year)
• Truck Sales: 315,112 units (up 0.5%)
• Maverick Sales: 41,970 units (up over 20%)

The strong performance of the affordable Maverick pickup, which is offered with a popular hybrid powertrain, contrasts with the overall decline and signals where consumer demand is heading.

Market Headwinds and Hybrid Demand

Ad

Broader economic factors are influencing car buyers, particularly elevated fuel costs. According to industry group AAA, the national average for regular gasoline hit $4.43 a gallon in September, up from $3.20 a year earlier. This has accelerated the move toward more efficient powertrains.

"We are definitely seeing more demand on the hybrid powertrain, including on the F-150," Ford executives told Reuters on Friday. The sales trend places Ford and its Detroit peers in stiff competition with Asian automakers such as Toyota and Honda, which have well-established, hybrid-heavy vehicle lineups.

Affordability Remains a Challenge

Despite a recent decline in auto loan rates, vehicle affordability continues to be a significant hurdle for many consumers. Data from industry expert Cox Automotive shows the average new-vehicle transaction price rose 1.9% to $50,089 in August.

Higher vehicle prices combined with lower trade-in values are keeping monthly payments high, impacting purchasing decisions across the industry.