Car sales up 14%; Ford leads Canadian market for the month and year

September Highlights:

• Ford Canada #1 in September and year-to-date
• Overall car sales were up 14%
• Ford Fiesta sales increased 32%
• Ford Focus sales rose 41%
• Ford Explorer sales jumped 215%
• Ford Expedition sales were up 26%
• Ford Ranger sales increased 11%
• Lincoln MKS sales were up 31%
• Lincoln MKZ sales increased 24%
• Lincoln Navigator sales rose 78%
• Overall SUV sales increased 14%

OAKVILLE, Ont., October 3, 2011 – Sales at Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited marked the second-best September since 1978. Strong car sales, including Ford Fiesta, Focus, Lincoln MKZ, and MKS helped to keep Ford in the top spot for the month and year-to-date.

“We were up against an unusually strong September last year. The fact that our car sales continue to improve shows that our investment in smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles is paying off,” said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada.

Also helping to boost results is the re-invented Ford Explorer. Sales of the Explorer were up 215 per cent, helping to increase overall SUV sales 14 per cent compared to last September. With the introduction of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, consumers can now receive class-leading fuel economy and responsive performance without sacrificing space.

To keep the momentum going, Ford of Canada has brought back the Recycle Your Ride program. Starting October 1, consumers who turn in their vehicles for recycling (2005 models or older) will get up to $3,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford vehicle.

"In today’s uncertain economic times, the Ford Recycle Your Ride program means more people can now afford a new car with the latest in vehicle safety, fuel economy and smart technology," said Mondragon. “It's a win-win-win for the consumer, the economy and the environment. I am proud to say that Ford of Canada has helped to recycle more vehicles than any other auto manufacturer.”

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October 3, 2011