Los Angeles Electricians Drive Fords

http://www.freep.com/article/20090901/BUSINESS01/90901038/1322/Ford-August-sales-rise-17-

Buoyed by the government’s cash-for-clunkers program and an improving national image, Ford Motor Co. said today that sales of its new cars and trucks in August rose 17% compared to the same month a year ago.
The positive auto sales performance came on the heels of news that the U.S. manufacturing sector grew in August for the first time in 19 months, a report that gives credence to the notion that the recession is ending.

The better-than-expected reading today by the Institute for Supply Management showed the highest number for its manufacturing index since June 2007. New customer orders jumped to a level not seen since late 2004.

U.S. auto sales for the industry, which are slated to be reported by individual automakers throughout the day today, are also expected to top 1 million cars and trucks.

While Ford’s sales increased 2.4% in July, compared to the same month a year ago, Ford’s August sales performance is a huge boost for the Dearborn automaker that has been struggling through a global recession, along with the rest of the industry.

Last month, two Ford vehicles, the Focus compact car and Escape crossover, ranked in the top 10 most popular models purchased through the clunkers stimulus program. No other Detroit automaker models ranked in the listing.

Because of that success, sales increased 56% for the Focus and 49% for the Escape in August, compared to the same month a year ago. Sales also skyrocketed 132% for the Ford Fusion midsized car — bolstering Ford’s strategic move to strengthen its passenger cars lineup.

“Customers tell us they love our new products, and their favorable opinion of the Ford brand is continuing to gain strength,” Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service, said in a statement.

Another positive sign for Ford, and perhaps the economy, was the 12.2% increase in truck and van sales during the month. Ford’s F-Series pickups and E-Series vans are popular work vehicles for electricians, plumbers, home builders and the like.