Ford posted a record hybrid sales and market share month in Dec. 2012, and the introduction of the 2013 Ford Fusion played a huge role in Ford beating out their top rival Toyota in the fourth quarter.
Click here to read the full Ford press release.
The launch of the new Ford Fusion Hybrids and C-Max Hybrids led the company to record-setting hybrid sales in December, which resulted in a 9 percent market share gain up to 16 percent according to a company press release.
Toyota lost almost 8 points of share in the segment, falling from 68 to nearly 60 percent.
Ford sold more hybrid vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2012 than in any other three-month period in the company's entire history according to the press release. The company sold 19,554 units, beating their own hybrid vehicle sales record by approximately 193 percent.
"We're bringing new hybrid buyers into the market, many of whom wouldn't be considered traditional hybrid buyers," said Amy Marentic, marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars according to Ford.
Approximately 3,244 Fusion Hybrids were sold in December, a significant increase compared to their previous high in Aug. 2010 when they sold 3,010 vehicles. The company expects record sales in January, and results will be announced on Feb. 4.
The press release stated that 70 percent of Fusion owners are new to Ford, while in comparison, 53 percent of Toyota Camry Hybrid owners are new to the company.
Early estimates indicate that the Fusion Hybrid is being purchased by younger buyers or buyers who had never purchased a Ford vehicle before. Buyers of the new Fusion are five years younger than buyers of the previously released Fusion, falling from an average age of 53 years old, to 48.
The best-selling markets for the new Fusion are in locations like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The company also reported strong sales in traditional buying areas located in the Central, Southeast and Great Lakes regions according to the press release.
"There's a sense hybrid buyers represent a pragmatic or green ethic," said Marentic in the press release. "Fusion Hybrid is scoring with these audiences, but the car also puts some excitement into the segment through design; it shows hybrids can have beautiful and sophisticated styling. This, in turn, means different buyers."
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