USA - Sales for the first quarter of 2017 have taken a nose dive in the USA, but the top models remain the same.

• SUVs, Pickups increase their share of total market while cars continue to slide
• Ford’s F-Series trucks maintain their top selling position; Toyota Camry is best-selling car
• Volkswagen beginning to recover from effects of diesel crisis

Vehicle sales for the first quarter of 2017 fell 1.9% over the same period in 2016. Analysts had predicted a small increase for March sales but saw a decline despite reported high incentives spending. SUVs and Pickup Trucks continue to gain market share, with Honda’s 4.3% increase in share driven by sales from the CR-V and returning Ridgeline, which as re-entered the market after a two model year hiatus.

Once again, the top three best selling vehicles in the United States are the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram Pickup. Ford’s F-Series line of trucks continues as the best-selling vehicle overall, selling 205,281 units in the first quarter of 2017, up from 186,121 units during the same time period in 2016.

Gaining ground on the top three is the forth best-selling vehicle and the best-selling SUV, Nissan Rogue, selling 100,000 units in the quarter in sales for the first time. Toyota Camry remained the best selling car, despite declining sales (83,459 units vs. 96,244 units), followed closely by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla (81,654 and 76,086 units respectively).

After years of declining sales, Volkswagen looks they might have turned the tide, increasing their sales by almost 7,000 units when compared to the same time period last year (76,293 vs, 69,316 units). These gains were largely driven by increased Golf family sales, which were up 48.2% for the quarter. VW has posted four consecutive monthly sales increases and will be introducing the Atlas full-sized SUV soon which should help it continue to show positive movement.

Continuing the trend of recent years, the market share of SUVs and Trucks continue to rise within the United States. In the first quarter of 2017, SUVs, Trucks, and Vans represented 58%, 5 percentage points more than what was seen in 2016. This increase was mostly due to the ever increasing popularity of smaller SUVs and crossovers like the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.

The biggest decline was seen in the D-Segment. The segment decline in sales by 2.5 percentage points, from 16.9% in Q1 2016 to 14.% in Q1 2017. This decline has been seen throughout the segment, including market leaders like Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu.

While car sales were down overall, the A- and F-Segments (small cars and large luxury cars) actually had increases year-over-year. The Chevy Spark was up almost 40% for the quarter, while the new Lincoln Continental was a major reason for the gain in the F-Segment.

USA - The 2015-2016 Ford F-150 now has bolt on suspension lift systems available.

New 4 1/2 and 6-inch bolt-on lift kits improve the looks of Ford’s popular pickup, allow for the use of 18-inch or larger wheels and 36-inch or larger tires, and deliver superior ride quality and handling.

Superlift, the leading manufacturer of truck and off-road suspension systems, has announced the release of its all-new lift systems for the 2015-2016 Ford F150. These systems are the most complete and cost effective solutions available to make room for larger tires, increase ground clearance and feature everything needed to make your F150 stand above the crowd.

Ford’s F150 is one of the most popular vehicles in America thanks to its rugged reliability, cutting-edge powerplants, and wide range of available options. Unfortunately, the vehicle’s factory suspension and ride height are the biggest limiting factor when it comes to its off-road capabilities as it severely restricts the amount of tire you can fit under the truck. 

Now, thanks to Superlift’s lift systems, 2015-16 F150 owners can get the increased ride height they need to run a larger wheel and tire combo without having to sacrifice ride quality or making the suspension difficult to align.

Superlift’s lift system for the 2015-16 Ford F150 was designed from OEM supplied models using the latest 3D CAD software to ensure an easy installation and precise fit. These lifts restore proper CV and driveshaft angles, require no modification to the tie rod ends, align to OEM specifications, allow the use of 18” or larger factory wheels and maintain awesome ride and handling characteristics.

Available for 2015 and 2016 Ford F150 4WD models, these lift systems offer two ride heights options, 4 1/2-inch and 6-inch lift heights, and a choice of rear shock absorbers, the SUPERLIFT® Superide® or the SUPERLIFT® Superide SS by Bilstein.  For vehicles equipped with a two-piece rear driveshaft and carrier bearing, Superlift also offers an option bearing carrier drop kit to ensure complete compatibility.

The International Ford Show will have a bespoke Ford auction, with most models up for auction.

The famous blue oval will be seen everywhere in Barons’ Sandown Park saleroom on April 30th, as Barons stages a dedicated Ford auction as part of the International Ford Show.

Barons has a fine selection of entries that really showcase the diversity of the Ford offering over the decades, from charming little Anglias to potent, American-built muscle cars and from a 1949 Thames van to an F150 Supercharged pick-up originally owned by David Beckham.

Ford’s muscle car heritage will certainly make itself felt at Sandown Park. The iconic Mustang is represented by four examples, including a rare right-hand drive 1971 Convertible 302. This unique machine was built in Dearborn as a special order for the UK, as a New Year’s present for the MD of Ford. (£30,000-£34,000). The sale also includes a 1965, ex-ICS Series racing car which has run very successfully in the Aston Martin Owners Club Intermarque Challenge (£55,000-£70,000).

Other representatives of Ford’s production from the other side of ‘the pond’ include a mighty 1969 Talladega (£32,000-£35,000) a 1972 Gran Torino Sport (£9,000-£11,000) and a rare, RHD 1963 Galaxie 500 Convertible.  All chrome and sweeping lines, this is a fantastic cruising car (£8,000-£10,000).

Ford’s commercial vehicle and pick-up side is highlighted through a number of entries. The 2002 F150 Supercharged Harley Davidson edition pick-up is a relatively modern example, with the interesting provenance of having originally been owned by David Beckham (£10,000-£12,000).  The 1958 F1 SWB pick-up is highly original, almost ‘time-warp’ (£10,000-£12,000), while the 1958 Ranchero V8 pick-up is a spectacular example of 1950s fins and chrome styling (£11,000-£14,000). In contrast, the 1949 Thames Van E83W is a charismatic and very British little machine. It has just one owner on the V5C, and was recently discovered having been tucked away unused for 20 years (£12,000-£15,000).

Numerous variations on the Cortina theme are on offer at Barons, including two Crayford Convertible conversions (£18,000-£22,000 and £7,000-£9,000), a handsome 1977 Ghia Mk 4 (£3,500-£4,500), an exceptionally rare Cortina De Tomaso (£20,000-£25,000) and a superb 1963 Mk1 Consul Cortina (£7,000-£9,000).

Two stately Consul Farnham Estates will also go under the hammer at Sandown Park. The 1960 example was supplied new to South Africa. It is highly original and in splendid condition (£17,000-£20,000). The 1957 Hi Line example is one of only two known to survive worldwide. It has an extremely rare Raymond Mays cylinder head and Handa overdrive (£17,000-£20,000).

Fans of Fiestas and Escorts won’t be disappointed either, with several on offer, from XR3i Cabriolets and RS Turbos to a sporty Fiesta XR2.