WSJ: Ford outsells GM in Feb 2010

[kostby]

Thanks to a hefty number of fleet sales, Ford outsold GM (by less than 500 units) for first time it's happened since the strikes of 1998.Quote, originally posted by Excerpts from WSJ »Ford Motor Co. surpassed General Motors Co. in sales last month for the first time in at least 50 years, presenting a new headache for the government-owned car maker as it struggles to return to profitability.Hours after the sales results were disclosed Tuesday, GM announced an overhaul of its top managers—the second executive shuffle in three months. The news underscored the impatience of GM Chief Executive Edward E. Whitacre Jr. and the heat the company is feeling from a resurgent Ford.Ford said it sold 142,006 cars and light trucks in the U.S. in February, 43% more than a year ago—and 471 more than GM. While Ford's results were boosted by sales to rental-car companies and other fleets, it was the first time since at least 1960 that Ford outsold its larger rival except for two months in 1998 when GM was hurt by strikes, according to Edmunds.com, an automotive data provider. GM's February sales rose 11.5%, to 141,535 vehicles... While Ford sold about 56,000 cars last month to fleet customers, which can hurt auto makers because rental cars eventually are resold as used vehicles that can depress new-vehicle prices, the auto maker has also done a number of things right...Toyota Motor Corp. suffered because of fallout from its recalls and quality problems. Its sales fell 8.7% to 100,027 vehicles... Chrysler's sales were flat at 84,449 vehicles, and a person familiar with the matter said at least half of its sales went to fleet customers. Chrysler doesn't break out its fleet sales... I don't know if the link will work for non-subscribers --> http://online.wsj.com/article/...ws_us

[star_deceiver]

Seems Ford's got their act together!

[Whelan]

I read that article. I was shocked to see the jump in Lincoln and Mercury sales as well. I'm curious to see how the new Ford's will look with Mercury facing, they need to do some work to get them to truly look different. Mercury should aim it's guns at Acura while Lincoln at Caddy.Although a peek at Ford stock in today's paper showed it was down a few cents. Odd considering they have just released all these great upcoming models, and the sales figures release. I'm sure it will bounce back today, but it could have been from the news that the Focus Wagon is not coming to US shores.

[jake75]

About 1:20 pm. I've got about 1,500 shares that I have had for eons. Used to pay a good dividend. Glad I didn't bail at $1.65 - would have sold all to that Kerkorian guy at $8.25 if I could have. I knew his tender would be way oversubscribed so I didn't even try so I guess I got lucky there. My other big loser was the financial spin off from Ford that ended up being acquired by Citibank. That went from the mid-forties to about $3.50 today. Then there was the Visteon spin-off; I donated that to Charity before the collapse. If God wanted me to be rich he'd have made me a Kennedy.Ford Motor Company Common Stock(NYSE: F)Real-Time: 12.60 Up 0.38 (3.07%) 1:23PM ETLast Trade:12.61Trade Time:1:09PM ETChange:Up 0.39 (3.19%)Prev Close:12.22Open:12.46Bid:N/AAsk:N/A1y Target Est:11.96Day's Range:12.35 - 12.8352wk Range:1.65 - 12.83Volume:106,638,855Avg Vol (3m):93,679,000Market Cap:41.70BP/E (ttm):14.69EPS (ttm):0.86Div & Yield:N/A (N/A

[Kincaid]

Whenever I get wistful about how much money I coulda made had I invested in the right stock deal, I remind myself of the $2450 I invested in the stock of a company - that is now worth about $350 on a good day. It's been in the toilet since 2000 after the tech bubble burst. The only single stock I ever bought.

[Whelan]

Stocks are fun if you know whats goin on. Even though your shares are worth $350, you still bought $2k worth.

[KNINE]

How can that be? Ford isn't owned by the government! The government makes all things better.

[Old Tele man]

...when was the LAST time that Ford outsold GM?...back in the 1950's or 1960's...for like 1-2 years?

[michaelgt]

Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...when was the LAST time that Ford outsold GM?...back in the 1950's or 1960's...for like 1-2 years?The last time Ford beat GM was July 1998. It was because of the 6 week Delphi strike, and GM did not have vehicles to sell. Prior to that was also a strike at GM. I believe that it may have been 1971.

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by michaelgt »The last time Ford beat GM was July 1998. It was because of the 6 week Delphi strike, and GM did not have vehicles to sell. Prior to that was also a strike at GM. I believe that it may have been 1971.News reported the 1998 and due to strikes, but actual true time was 1960 something; once again reported by the news.