The efforts Ford put in place a number of years ago to bring more fuel-efficient cars to market is paying off now. Customer demand for our fuel-efficient vehicles coupled with the U.S. government’s Car Allowance Rebate System, also known as Cash for Clunkers, enabled us to post the first sales increase of any major manufacturer in 2009.

“We had another strong month in progress before the Cash for Clunkers program started,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. ”Our products, our dealers and our advance preparation enabled us to leverage the program and drive traffic and sales to another level,” he added. “In addition, we achieved a sales increase even though we decreased incentive spending in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Here are the highlights from July 2009 sales for Ford Motor Company:

• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail sales increased 9 percent versus a year ago; total sales (including fleet) were 158,838, up 2 percent versus a year ago
• Ford is first among major manufacturers to report a sales increase in 2009; year-over-year total sales gain is the first for Ford since November 2007
• Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles pace July sales results – Ford Fusion up 66 percent, Mercury Milan up 60 percent, Ford Escape up 94 percent, Mercury Mariner up 71 percent, Ford Focus up 44 percent and Ford Ranger up 65 percent; Ford hybrid sales up 323 percent
• Ford was first to market with Cash for Clunkers Web site; more than 1 million consumers were guided by www.LetFordRecycleYourRide.com
• First 2010 model Ford Taurus and Transit Connect models were delivered to U.S. customers in July
• Ford Fusion sales totaled 17,610, a July record and up 66 percent versus a year ago, and Mercury Milan sales were up 60 percent. The 2010 model Fusion and Milan and their hybrid versions are the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans in America
• Ford Escape sales totaled 20,241, a July record and up 94 percent versus a year ago, and Mercury Mariner sales were up 71 percent. The 2009 model Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sport utility vehicles in America
• Ford Focus sales totaled 21,830, up 44 percent versus a year ago. The Focus is among the most fuel-efficient compact cars in America with an EPA highway rating of 35 mpg
• Ford Ranger sales totaled 7,695, up 65 percent versus a year ago. The Ranger is the most fuel-efficient compact pickup in America
• Ford Flex sales totaled 3,631, up 65 percent versus a year ago. The Flex is among the most fuel-efficient midsize crossover vehicles in America
• Ford’s hybrid vehicles (Fusion, Milan, Escape and Mariner) posted combined sales of 5,353, a record for any month and up 323 percent versus a year ago

“We have the freshest line of new products in the industry,” said Czubay. ”We’re really encouraged by the growing number of consumers who are considering Ford for their next vehicle.”

Internal and external studies show a positive trend in the percentage of consumers with favorable opinions about Ford, and growing numbers of consumers who are willing to consider purchasing a Ford vehicle, thanks to improved fuel economy, smart technology and higher residual values.