Ford launches updated versions of its Transit Courier and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles.

• Ford reveals first details of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier light commercial vehicles that will join the top-selling Ford Transit family from mid-2018 

• New Transit Connect delivers bold design and fuel-efficient engines with all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol featuring cylinder deactivation 

• Compact new Transit Courier offers updated powertrains with standard six-speed transmission, SYNC 3 technology and refreshed front-end appearance 

• Ford is Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand; entire product line-up to benefit from renewal during the next 18 months 

Ford today revealed the first details of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier – part of a Ford product revolution that will see the company’s entire commercial line-up in Europe renewed during the next 18 months. 

Transit Connect and Transit Courier are an important part of the latest four-model Transit family, which has driven Ford to become Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand, with sales exceeding 276,000 in October year-to-date, an increase of eight per cent over 2016. In the UK, both Transit Connect and Transit Courier are the best-selling commercial vehicles in their respective segments for 2017 year-to-date, with more than 20,000 sales between them – almost one quarter of total Transit nameplate sales. 

Featuring stylish new designs, more fuel-efficient powertrains* and advanced new driver assistance technologies, the two new Transit models will be available to order in spring 2018 for customer delivery from the middle of the year. 

“Ford’s latest Transit family has taken the European market by storm, and we have no intention of taking our foot off the gas,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “We’ve given our two smaller Transits a complete overhaul that makes them even more affordable to run, more stylish to look at, and ready to tackle every job our customers throw at them.” 

New Ford Transit Connect

New Transit Connect introduces a smart new front-end appearance that adopts the latest Ford design DNA. An imposing three-bar Transit grille combined with slimmer headlamps – with powerful HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on high series models, combine with a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler to deliver the fresh new look. 

Inside the Transit Connect, an upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired six-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, featuring Ford’s SYNC 3communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a stylish and hard-wearing working environment for long working days in the cab. 

A state-of-the-art new powertrain line-up provides enhanced fuel-efficiency, while achieving Euro 6.2 emissions standards. Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine combines the latest fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies with a low-friction engine design to deliver improved performance alongside reduced fuel-consumption. 

For customers requiring a petrol option, new Transit Connect offers an advanced new version of the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which incorporates significant changes to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emission-control systems to provide further improvements in fuel-efficiency. New technologies also include cylinder deactivation, which enables the engine to run on two cylinders at low loads, to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel-efficiency. 

An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is now fitted to all engines as standard. The 1.5‑litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been engineered to deliver optimised fuel-efficiency alongside responsive performance and smooth, swift gearshifts. 

To minimise overall cost of ownership, service intervals have been extended on both diesel and petrol variants, with manual diesel vehicles now offering best-in-class variable intervals of up to two years/25,000 miles. The longer service intervals contribute to scheduled maintenance and non-scheduled repair costs that are significantly lower than the primary competition, according to Ford analysis. 

The new Transit Connect introduces a comprehensive range of segment-first driver assistance features including Intelligent Speed Limiter – that enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. 

Like the outgoing model, new Transit Connect offers commercial vehicle operators an outstanding breadth of capabilities, with short and long wheelbase options providing load volumes up to 3.6 m3 (VDA), payload capacity ranging from 520-890 kg, and bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van. 

New Ford Transit Courier

The Transit Courier is the smallest member of Ford’s Transit family, and the new model brings a refreshed front-end appearance that incorporates a reshaped grille opening and revised design for the lower fascia. 

The cabin features a redesigned centre console design for enhanced ergonomics, including a new, larger six-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that is available on higher series models, and positioned closer to the driver for improved visibility and ease-of-use. 

Meeting the latest Euro 6.2 emissions standards, the updated powertrain line-up offers customers the choice of fuel-efficient 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines. All vehicles feature Ford’s all-new six-speed manual transmission in place of the outgoing model’s five-speed gearbox, offering improved shift quality, refinement and contributing to better real-world fuel-efficiency. 

For the ultimate in low running costs, a new fuel-efficiency package is offered as standard on diesel models, which integrates optimised aerodynamics with an Active Grille Shutter that improves warm-up times and reduces aero-drag. 

New Transit Courier offers urban van operators a payload capacity ranging from 500-590 kg, load volumes up to 2.4 m3(VDA), and a choice of van and kombi bodystyles. The series line-up now also includes a new Limited variant, providing customers with an alternative to the dynamic Sport model at the top of the range. 

Further information about the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier models, including fuel consumption and performance data, will be published closer to the launch of the vehicles in 2018. 

USA SALES MAY - FORD/LINCOLN - Both brands saw sales grow in the month.

• Ford Motor Company’s overall U.S. sales for May 2017 totaled 241,126 vehicles, a 2.2 percent gain compared to last year 
• Retail results declined 0.8 percent, with 158,282 vehicle sales 
• Fleet sales totaled 82,844 vehicles, representing an 8.4 percent gain versus a year ago 
• Ford’s average transaction pricing increased $2,100 last month, significantly outpacing an overall industry increase of $500* 
• Ford F-Series sales of 76,027 pickups increased 12.8 percent last month, for the best May results in 13 years. F-Series also saw a $3,300 increase in average transaction pricing* 
• Ford brand SUVs set May record, with 74,910 vehicles sold – up 4.2 percent versus a year ago 
• Ford Explorer sales increased 20.7 percent, with 22,715 SUVs sold, marking the vehicle’s best May performance in 13 years 
• Ford Expedition sales of 5,758 SUVs were up 13.9 percent last month 
• Ford Edge sales increased 11.0 percent, with 13,752 vehicles sold 
• Lincoln retail sales increased 9.7 percent in May, marking the brand’s 16th straight month of year over-year sales gains

“May marked a standout month for Ford brand SUVs, with a May record 74,910 SUVs sold. Plus, we continued to see strong F-Series performance, with sales and share rising this year, along with average transaction pricing. In May, overall F-Series sales were up double digits and transaction prices grew $3,300 per truck.” Mark LaNeve, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service

Ford F-Series sales totaled 76,027 trucks. This marks F-Series’ best May sales performance since 2004, with F-Series retail sales up in every region of the U.S. Ford brand SUV sales totaled 74,910 vehicles, marking another record-setting May. 

Growth came from a 21 percent gain in Explorer sales, along with a double-digit increase for both Expedition and Edge. The 2018 Explorer, left, hits Ford dealerships this fall. Ford Expedition sales totaled 5,758 vehicles last month, a 14 percent increase, for the SUV’s best May performance in a decade. The allnew 2018 Expedition, left, goes on sale this fall. 

Lincoln retail sales were up 16 consecutive months in May. Lincoln MKC delivered strong gains, up 17 percent, followed by the all-new Lincoln Continental, with sales of 1,061 cars. The all-new Lincoln Navigator, left, arrives in dealer showrooms later this year. 

  

USA SALES FEBRUARY - FORD/LINCOLN - The combined giant has a record 2nd month of the year.

• Ford brand SUVs post record February results, with 68,820 vehicles sold
• Ford F-Series U.S. sales increase 9 percent versus a year ago, with 65,956 pickups sold
• Lincoln sales increase 9 percent, with gains coming from MKC, MKX and all-new Continental
• Ford Motor Company total U.S. sales of 208,440 vehicles are down 4 percent from a year ago; retail sales are down 3 percent, while fleet sales decline 5 percent

Overall Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 208,440 vehicles in February, a 4 percent decline versus a year ago.

Retail sales of 134,576 vehicles decreased 3 percent, while fleet sales were down 5 percent, with 73,864 vehicles sold. The fleet decline reflects a strong year-ago comparison, with customer orders front-loaded in early 2016.

Overall car sales were down 24 percent, while customers continue to shift to trucks and SUVs.

Ford brand SUV sales totaled 68,820 vehicles – record February sales – up 6 percent versus a year ago. Record Escape sales of 27,637 vehicles and a 48 percent increase in Expedition sales drove the gains.

Ford F-Series was up 9 percent, with 65,956 trucks sold. This represents F-Series’ best sales since 2004, with all-new Super Duty retail gains coming from every region of the country.

“We continue seeing strong consumer demand for the highest-series Super Duty pickups and the all-new F-150 Raptor, plus greater availability of 2017 model year F-150s,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “This drove a $3,600 increase in average transaction prices for F-Series last month alone, Lincoln had a $2,100 increase, ultimately delivering an overall company transaction price increase of $1,900 per vehicle.”

Lincoln sales totaled 8,744 vehicles, a 9 percent increase. Lincoln MKC, up 12 percent, MKX, up 1 percent, and all-new Continental sales of 1,079 cars fueled the growth.

USA SALES JANUARY - FORD/LINCOLN - Sales are growing on the combined brands.

• Ford Motor Company U.S. retail sales of 120,400 vehicles for January represent a 6 percent increase; fleet sales down 13 percent; total sales down 1 percent
• Ford F-Series sales increase 13 percent, with sales of 57,995 trucks; best sales start for F-Series since 2004
• Overall Ford brand SUV sales up 6 percent in January, with retail sales up 11 percent – a record start overall for Ford SUVs
• Lincoln up 22 percent last month on total sales of 8,785 vehicles, with gains coming from MKC, MKX, MKZ and all-new Continental

Ford Motor Company’s U.S. retail sales of 120,400 vehicles are up 6 percent in January, while total sales declined 1 percent.  

Fleet sales of 52,212 vehicles, including daily rental, commercial and government segments, declined 13 percent. The fleet decline reflects a strong year-ago comparison, with fleet customer orders front-loaded at the beginning of 2016.

Ford F-Series sales totaled 57,995 trucks last month, a 13 percent increase, supported by strong retail gains from both F-150 and Super Duty. F-Series was up 19 percent at retail, with gains in every region. January represents the best sales start for F-Series since 2004.

“The new year brought strong consumer demand for F-Series, Lincoln and record SUV sales, especially high-end models,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “This drove near-record company average transaction prices for Ford, up $2,500 versus a year ago and far outpacing the overall January industry increase of $550.”

Retail sales of Ford brand SUVs were up 11 percent last month, driving overall SUV sales up 6 percent, with 53,224 vehicles sold. January marks the best-ever overall start for Ford SUVs.  

Lincoln sales totaled 8,785 vehicles in January, the brand’s best start in a decade.

Strong performance from the all-new Lincoln Continental, with 1,167 cars sold, contributed to the brand’s overall 22 percent increase. Additional contributors included Lincoln MKZ with sales of 2,090 sales – up 7 percent – Lincoln MKC with 1,668 sales – a 16 percent gain – and MKX with 2,928 sales – a 43 percent gain.

Note: Ford is adding additional data to our news release, including stock and fleet percentages. In addition, Ford is reporting both dealer stock and gross stock levels, as some automakers report dealer stock only and do not include inventory in transit to dealers.

END OF YEAR - FORD/LINCOLN - The company has the best December since 2004.

• Ford Motor Company U.S. December sales totaled 239,854 vehicles – up 0.3 percent; retail sales totaled 183,454 vehicles – a 5 percent gain – for the company’s best December retail sales since 2004. Plus:
  • Ford sold 87,512 F-Series in December, up 3 percent – the lineup’s best overall sales month in 11 years; vans up 3 percent with 22,302 sold
  • Overall Ford brand SUV sales up 5 percent in December, retail up 6 percent
  • Lincoln up 18 percent in December on total sales of 12,791 vehicles; cars up 28 percent, and SUVs up 13 percent
• Total 2016 U.S. sales of 2,614,697 vehicles mark Ford Motor Company’s best annual sales in a decade; Ford is America’s best-selling vehicle brand for seventh consecutive year
  • Company sold 820,799 pickups in 2016, making F-Series America’s best-selling pickup for 40 years and best-selling vehicle for 35 straight years
  • Ford is America’s best-selling truck brand, with 1,077,006 van, pickup and heavy truck sales last year
  • Van sales totaled 240,721, a 9 percent increase and making Ford America’s best-selling commercial van for 38 straight years
  • Ford SUVs total 772,667, reaching best annual sales since record 2001
  • Lincoln sales up 10 percent in 2016

Ford Motor Company’s total December U.S. sales of 239,854 vehicles were up 0.3 percent. Retail sales increased 5 percent last month, with 183,454 vehicles sold – the company’s best December retail performance since 2004.

F-Series sales totaled 87,512 trucks in December, up 3 percent. Strong retail demand for F-150 and the all-new Super Duty contributed to the best overall sales month for F-Series in 11 years. Ford van sales gained 3 percent in December, totaling 22,302 vehicles, for the company’s best-ever December van performance. 

 

December retail sales of Ford brand SUVs were up 6 percent, driving a 5 percent gain in overall SUV sales, with 68,685 vehicles sold. December was Ford’s best SUV sales month since 2002, with gains coming from Edge, Explorer and Expedition.

Overall, Lincoln sales were up 18 percent for the month, with 12,791 vehicles sold. Strong performance from the all-new Lincoln Continental, with 1,845 cars sold, contributed to a 28 percent increase in December car sales for Lincoln versus a year ago. Lincoln MKX sales of 3,527 vehicles – a 19 percent increase – drove a 13 percent rise in Lincoln SUV sales for December.

“December marked Ford’s best retail performance since 2004, with average transaction prices increasing $1,600 for the month – $1,000 more than the industry average,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Thanks to strong customer demand for F-Series, Transit and an all-new lineup of heavy trucks, Ford capped 2016 as America’s best-selling truck brand.”

Meanwhile, the company’s 2016 U.S. sales of 2,614,697 vehicles mark its best results in 10 years. Ford brand sales of 2,502,973 vehicles make Ford America’s best-selling brand for seven straight years.

For 2016, F-Series sales totaled 820,799 trucks, making it America’s best-selling pickup for 40 years straight and best-selling vehicle for 35 years. Ford U.S. truck sales, including vans, pickups and heavy trucks, totaled 1,077,006 vehicles, a 7 percent increase versus a year ago.

The company sold a total of 240,721 vans in 2016 – up 9 percent – making Ford America’s best-selling brand of commercial vans for 38 straight years. Total Transit sales of 143,244 vehicles represent a 22 percent increase for America’s best-selling van.

Ford sold 772,667 SUVs in 2016, marking its best annual performance since record 2001 sales. Escape and Edge had record years with Escape sales of 307,069 and Edge sales totaling 134,588 vehicles.

Lincoln sales totaled 111,724 vehicles for the year – up 10 percent, with gains coming from both cars and SUVs. Lincoln car sales posted an 8 percent gain, while SUVs were up 12 percent for the year.  

USA SALES NOVEMBER - FOrd and Lincoln both grow in November, which will grow into 2017.

• Ford Motor Company’s U.S. sales for November  total 197,574 vehicles – up 5 percent versus a year ago – with retail sales up 10 percent and fleet sales down 9 percent
• Ford F-Series has its best November since 2001 on strong F-150 and Super Duty retail demand; total F-Series sales of 72,089 trucks is up 11 percent
• Ford brand SUV sales increase 20 percent with 60,079 vehicles sold
• Lincoln sales total 9,429 vehicles for November, representing a 19 percent increase on strong demand for its newest products, including Lincoln Continental, MKX and MKZ

Ford Motor Company’s overall sales totaled 197,574 vehicles in November – a 5 percent increase versus last year – driven by a 10 percent retail sales gain with 154,114 vehicles sold.

Fleet sales of 43,460 vehicles, including daily rental, commercial and government segments, declined 9 percent. This reflects the company’s plan to front-load fleet sales this year.

F-Series sales increased 11 percent, totaling 72,089 trucks, the truck line’s best November sales since 2001. F-Series retail sales were up 14 percent.  

“Strong retail sales increases for both F-150 and our all-new Super Duty pickups drove F-Series above the 70,000 vehicle mark – a November threshold we have not seen in 15 years,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Plus, strong consumer demand for well-equipped Super Dutys helped boost Ford’s overall average transaction prices in November, which are up $1,000 versus a year ago – well ahead of the industry average of $320.”

Ford brand SUV sales totaled 60,079 vehicles for November – a 20 percent increase. Escape was up 11 percent; Explorer grew 14 percent, Edge climbed 32 percent and Expedition gained 75 percent.  

Lincoln sales increased 19 percent, with sales totaling 9,429 vehicles. Retail sales were up 20 percent. Lincoln MKZ was up 9 percent, while Lincoln MKX was up 30 percent. Lincoln’s all-new Continental had its best sales month since launch – with 1,419 cars sold. 

USA SALES OCTOBER - Ford/Lincoln have differing sales figure with Ford way down, and Lincoln with its new style grows.

• Total Ford Motor Company U.S. October sales of 188,813 vehicles down 12 percent from a year ago; retail sales decline 7 percent, fleet sales down 24 percent
• Ford Transit sales totaled 10,202 vehicles, up 9 percent
• Ford F-Series retail sales up 2 percent, driven by strong Super Duty demand; overall F-Series sales increase 0.1 percent, with 65,542 trucks sold
• Lincoln sales increase 7 percent – with gains coming from MKX, MKZ and the all-new Continental; retail sales up 10 percent

Overall U.S. sales for Ford were down 12 percent in October versus a year ago, with 188,813 vehicles sold.

U.S. sales of Ford Transit were up 9 percent, with 10,202 vans sold.  F-Series pickup sales increased 0.1 percent, with 65,542 trucks sold – the best October since 2004.

Ford is reporting sales today due to a fire Monday at its World Headquarters, which interrupted power to one of the company’s main data centers that the company and its dealers use to report and track sales. October reporting was extended to 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday, giving U.S. dealers an opportunity to report month-end sales.

October retail sales totaled 143,145 vehicles, down 7 percent. Fleet sales of 45,668 vehicles, including daily rental, commercial and government segments, were down 24 percent, driven primarily by front-loading daily rental deliveries this year, prioritizing Super Duty retail customers and pausing Transit Connect sales to address the previously announced door latch recall.

Lincoln sales totaled 9,069, a 7 percent increase. Retail sales were up 10 percent. Growth came from Lincoln’s new products, with total MKX up 4 percent, MKZ up 3 percent and all-new Continental sales of 1,222 vehicles.

Truck sales remained positive for Ford, with F-Series retail sales up 2 percent on strong Super Duty demand. High-end series Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum pickups represented 75 percent of retail sales. 2017 Super Duty was 36 percent of overall Super Duty retail sales in October.

“High customer demand for our new Super Duty, including top-trim-level pickups, continues to boost transaction prices,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president for U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “New Super Duty is turning on dealer lots in just 18 days, and Ford’s average transaction prices are up $1,600 versus a year ago – far outpacing the industry average of $600.”

Ford’s overall average transaction prices were up $800 versus September, while industry transaction prices were up $460 compared to September.

Overall incentive spending at Ford was up approximately $180 compared to year ago, versus an industry increase of $390. Compared to September, Ford’s overall incentive spend was down $570.

The company’s days’ supply for October was 90 days. Ford has been taking actions to match production with demand, as outlined during the company’s third quarter financial results and is well positioned for Black Friday and year-end sales events. The company’s fourth-quarter North American production guidance of 700,000 vehicles remains unchanged.

Gross Stock	2016	2016	2015
	October	September	October
Passenger Car
Unit Volume	145,000	153,000	168,000
SUV
Unit Volume	190,000	184,000	152,000
Trucks
Unit Volume	315,000	314,000	302,000
Total
Unit Volume	650,000	651,000	622,000
Days' Supply	90	80	79
Fleet % of Total Sales	2016	2015
	October	October
Daily Rental	7%	10%
Commercial	11%	12%
Government	6%	6%
Total	24%	28%