Ford set to smash hybrid sales record
Ford is the second-largest producer of hybrids in the United States — running a distant second to the infamous Toyota and their Prius — but the Japanese marque shouldn’t be resting on its laurels, as Henry Ford’s company is gearing up to smash its previous hybrid yearly sales record, 7 months ahead of schedule.
Ford’s last record-breaking year was 2010, when they sold 35,496 hybrid vehicles. Taking April’s strong sales into account, 2013’s total currently sits at 29,561, just 6,000 shy of the record. If current sales maintain their pace, Ford expects to break its record sometime in May.
Toyota currently holds 58% of the hybrid market, but Ford increased their share to 18% in April with strong sales of the Fusion and C-Max hybrids. This comes as Prius sales have stalled, with lower gasoline prices driving consumers out of Toyota showrooms — though the Prius’ bland image and stale looks can’t be helping matters. If Toyota can’t reverse the decline, we could be seeing a change at the top of the hybrid heap in the future.
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