DailyTech - Ford Sets Hybrid Market Share Record Thanks to Strong Fusion Hybrid, C-MAX Sales

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Auto Ford Sets Hybrid Market Share Record Thanks to Strong Fusion Hybrid, C-MAX Sales
Shane McGlaun (Blog) - January 31, 2013 9:10 AM

15 comment(s) - last by HATNBAK.. on Feb 12 at 8:44 PM

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid has proven be very popular for Ford

Ford has had very good luck with its hybrid vehicle sales over the last year. Ford announced recently that it had achieved an all-time high for its hybrid market share. Ford grew its share of the hybrid vehicle market almost 9% between December 2011 and December 2012.

Most of that growth came to the detriment of Toyota, which saw its share of the hybrid vehicle market decline 8%. Ford also announced an all-time monthly high for its Fusion Hybrid, which racked up 3,244 sales for the month of December.

Ford also says that it expects to have the best hybrid sales month in its history in January, projecting unit sales of 5,500. The automaker is attributing its current success to the fact that its Fusion Hybrid is better at attracting younger buyers compared to the Toyota Camry hybrid thanks to its more stylish design and abundance of in-car technology.

“We’re bringing new hybrid buyers into the market, many of whom wouldn’t be considered traditional hybrid buyers,” said Amy Marentic, marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. “There’s a sense hybrid buyers represent a pragmatic or green ethic. Fusion Hybrid is scoring with these audiences, but the car also puts some excitement into the segment through design; it shows hybrids can have beautiful and sophisticated styling. This, in turn, means different buyers.”

^{Ford C-MAX Energi}

The sales bonanza for Ford’s new hybrids comes despite the fact that owners and many publications – including Consumer Reports – have been unable to replicate the claimed 47mpg fuel economy rating of the Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX. Ford is currently under investigation by the EPA, and is the subject of a class action lawsuit regarding misleading fuel economy claims for both vehicles.

Source: Ford