Filed under: Ford, Toyota

Toyota is bracing for lower February sales as its massive recall and the ensuing media storm have cast a shadow over the automaker. Just how low can Toyota go? The Detroit Free Press says it could see its lowest US market share in over five years this month, with about 12 percent of U.S. sales.

Most analysts anticipate that Toyota will have a very rough month, but the big question on their minds is which automakers stand to gain the most from Toyota’s pain. Edmunds and TruCar reportedly think that winner will be Ford, as they estimate that the Oval will see a 35-percent sales increase. If correct, that’ll vastly outpace the nine to 14 percent increase for the month that was previously forecasted.

Despite Ford’s anticipated performance and projected double-digit gains for the industry as a whole, the market is still struggling. After all, these February 2010 sales projections are increases in relation to the dismal February 2009 numbers, which came as the recession helped deliver the industry its lowest sales levels in 30 years. February 2010 sales are also expected to be generally lower because of the multiple east coast snowstorms that kept customers out of dealerships for much of the month.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Report: Ford to benefit most from Toyota’s woes in February sales totals originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM

Each year that Consumer Reports offers up its annual list of Top American Picks, it seems less and less a consolation bracket and more like a reasonable set of choices. To wit, if you wanted the very best family-sized SUV (Chevrolet Traverse) or fullsize pickup truck (Chevrolet Silverado), Consumer Reports will tell you that you’re best off choosing American, regardless of which list its from.

Further, CR has found the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan twins have proven to be more reliable than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Blasphemy, you say? To borrow a marketing phrase from the Blue Oval itself, Drive One and find out for yourself. We have, and we found out that it’s a great car. Apparently, it’s also reliable. Not surprisingly, the Fusion managed to earn two more awards in its hybrid guise, including CR’s Best Overall Car.

All told, seven of the 10 awards handed out by CR went to Ford – an impressive performance. Two Top Picks were filled by vehicles from General Motors while Chrysler didn’t have a single model on the list, which isn’t particularly surprising since the Dodge Ram is the only model from the Pentastar that CR even recommends. Click here to check out the rest of the winners from CR.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports releases annual list of American Top Picks, Ford the big winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2009 was not a banner sales year for the Ford Mustang. Despite a complete makeover for the 2010 model year, sales of the usually successful pony car topped off at 66,623, an all time low. The Mustang still managed to beat out the Camaro in total sales for the year, but Ford sold fewer Mustangs for each month that the Camaro was actually on showroom floors.

Enter the 2011 Mustang. Apparently, a 305-horsepower V6 that gets 30 mpg and a 5.0-liter V8 putting out 412 horsepower does wonders for sales. Ford is reporting that three times more 2011 Mustangs have been ordered than 2010 models at this same time last year. In total, 11,000 Mustangs have been ordered since January.

Customers have been particularly taken with the V6 model, which makes up half of all the orders, and the California Special has also fared better than expected, tripling Ford’s initial sales projections. Ford says that 41-percent of 2011 Mustang orders have been for the GT model, who will surely enjoy rollin’… in their five-point-ohs, and the remaining nine percent have been for GT500s. Hit the jump for the full press release from Ford.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mustang sales off to a galloping good start

2011 Ford Mustang sales off to a galloping good start originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Last year we reported that Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations had signed a licensing deal with Shelby to produce brand new versions of the 1967 Shelby GT500. At the time we only had a few renderings to show you, but the company has just released a slew of new photos showing off every detail of the just-finished prototype car.

Named the GT500CR, the old-but-new Shelby mixes both modern and classic components for the best of both worlds. Rack and pinion steering, a modern suspension, drilled and slotted Baer brakes and tight-fitting fiberglass body panels are all improvements over the original ‘67 Shelbys, and the 427ci V8 putting out 545 horsepower ensures it will be quite a bit faster too.

The GT500CR also offers a deluxe 1967 interior with Carroll Shelby signature seats and gauges, 17-inch wheels and tires, nine-inch rear end and a Tremec transmission. Feeling brave? You can also opt for the Venom model that adds a supercharger system good for 780 horsepower. Get all the details in the high-res mega gallery below.

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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