Ford’s Sales Surge in Q4
In its recent report, Ford announced that its US sales rose by 8.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This strong performance is part of an impressive year for the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker.
F-Series Leads the Charge
The Ford F-Series, one of the most popular trucks in the United States, was a key driver of this growth. The F-Series saw a significant increase in sales, jumping 21.1% in Q4. For the entire year, Ford reported a 4.2% jump in US sales, totaling approximately 2.079 million vehicles.
Ford Rival GM Posts Similar Results
Meanwhile, Ford’s rival General Motors (GM) also posted a strong report for its 2024 sales, with a 4% increase over last year’s numbers, resulting in 2.7 million vehicles sold. While both companies experienced growth, their sales figures were slightly different.
Ford Shares See Slight Increase
In midday trade on the day of the announcement, Ford shares saw a slight increase of around 1%. This reaction was likely due to the company’s strong performance and continued success in the market.
F-Series Continues to Dominate
The F-Series trucks have been a consistent best-seller for Ford, achieving the status of the No. 1 selling truck in America for the 48th straight year. The company attributes this success to its "Freedom of Choice" strategy, which offers customers a range of options, including gas, diesel, hybrid, and electric models.
Electrified Segment Sees Significant Growth
Ford’s ‘electrified’ segment, which includes vehicles using both hybrid and fully electric powertrains, saw a significant increase in sales, jumping 38% in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles among consumers.
Hybrid Sales Reach Record High
Within Ford’s electrified segment, hybrid sales were the majority of that total, hitting a record 187,426 units sold. This represents a 40% increase over 2023 numbers. The Maverick hybrid pickup truck was a significant contributor to this growth, with nearly one-third of those sales.
Ford EVs Set New Sales Records
Each of Ford’s electric vehicles (EVs) set new sales records last year, demonstrating the growing popularity of these vehicles among consumers. The Mustang Mach-E totaled 51,745 units sold, up 27% from the previous year. F-150 Lightning sales reached 33,510, a 39% increase over last year’s numbers. E-Transit sales climbed to 12,610, a 64% increase.
Mustang Mach-E Sets New Sales Record
In Q4, Mustang Mach-E sales hit a best-ever 16,119 vehicles sold, making it the second-best-selling electric SUV behind only Tesla’s Model Y. This success demonstrates Ford’s commitment to producing innovative and popular EVs that meet customer demands.
Challenges Ahead for Ford’s EV Division
Despite these successes, Ford continues to face challenges in its EV division. The company has pushed back the opening of some EV factories and canceled upcoming EV models, such as a full-size three-row SUV. These moves indicate that Ford is re-evaluating its strategy in response to market demands.
Lincoln Sales See Significant Growth
On the Lincoln side, the luxury brand saw Q4 sales jump 35.4%, with 2024 sales climbing 28.1%. The Aviator and Nautilus were significant contributors to this growth, with year-over-year increases of 62.3% and 50.2%, respectively.
Conclusion
Ford’s strong Q4 US report is a testament to the company’s success in meeting customer demands. With its commitment to innovation and diversity, Ford continues to be a leader in the automotive industry. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how Ford adapts and responds to changing consumer preferences.