Ford Vehicle

Continued growth in crossover sales and increased demand for hybrids, fuel-efficient cars and Ford ’s industry-exclusive SYNC in-car connectivity technology drove Ford Motor Company’s (NYSE:F) sales in November. Company sales totaled 182,951, up 0.4 percent versus a year ago. November marked the first sales increase following 12 months of declines.

“It is encouraging to see our newest cars, crossovers, hybrids and industry-first SYNC technology resonating with customers,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas. “Continuing to deliver more quality products that people really want and carefully gauging customer demand in the months ahead will help ensure we stay on track with our plan.” Consumer demand continues to grow for the all-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicles.

Edge sales were 12,594 and Lincoln MKX sales were 3,360. Total sales of crossover utilities, including the redesigned Ford Escape , Ford Taurus X, and Mercury Mariner were 33,271, up 119 percent compared with a year ago. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid models set November sales records. Sales of the new 2008 Ford Focus were up 18 percent compared with a year ago.

Focus is one of 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models equipped with SYNC, an affordable, industry-exclusive in-car connectivity technology that fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and MP3 players into a customer’s driving experience. “All of our SYNC-equipped models are turning quickly,” said Fields. “Affordable technology that integrates mobile communication and entertainment devices appears to be resonating with consumers.