Boston Ford Hybrid and Electric Sales Soar

One year ago, Ford Motor Co. forayed into the US electric vehicle market with the launch of the 3 new hybrids and 2 plug-in hybrids. In one short year, the Dearborn automaker has become the second-best selling hybrid brand in the country, much to the chagrin of Toyota Motor Corp. Over the last year, Ford sold approximately 85,000 hybrids and electric vehicles compared to just 22,000 in the prior year. The bulk of those sales came at the direct expense of Toyota, the self-appointed king of the hybrid/electric market.

Ford's new electric lineup includes the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid and the Ford Focus Electric. These new electric vehicles, in conjunction with the Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid have been met with rave reviews from Boston Ford consumers for their combination of power, performance and luxury which is often missing in hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius.

However, the real reason these vehicles have been positively received in Boston and across the country is their impressive fuel economy. The Fusion Energi Plug-In gets 108MPGe, the Ford C-MAX Energi Hybrid has a 620 Mile Range and the Ford Focus Electric can travel 76 miles on just one charge. This impressive technology has allowed Ford to conquest a significant portion of Toyota's market share. In April 2012 King Toyota controlled the 80% of the electric vehicle market compared to Ford's meager 3% market share. As of June 2013, Ford had gained a 15% stake in the EV market, while Toyota's stronghold has dwindled to just 59%.

Boston Ford drivers are starting to notice a gradual increase in electric, hybrid, and diesel vehicles on Boston roadways. The reason for this increase is that the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards are becoming increasingly stringent. American manufacturers must hit 34.1 MPG by 2016 and 54.5 MPG by 2025. This green mandate has spurred auto manufacturers to increase their electric/hybrid vehicle output and greatly improve incentives on these vehicles heading into the 4th quarter of 2013.

This month, Boston Ford Dealers are offering exceptional lease offers on Ford's new lineup. For example, Muzi Ford in Needham, MA is offering the Ford C-MAX Energi for just $169/month with $0 Down Payment and the Ford Fusion Energi & Focus Electric for just $199/month with $0 Down Payment. The combination of low monthly payments and very little time at the pump make these new vehicles very attractive to Boston Ford consumers. These offers are a drastic improvement over the second quarter incentives and have fueled a surge in Boston Ford Hybrid and Energi Sales.

As the automotive industry moves into the future, alternative fuel vehicles will continue to gain a larger market share. Ford Motor Co. has gotten out in front of the electric wave and looks to continue to ride it through the fourth quarter of 2013. Boston Ford Hybrid sales will be an important touchstone for the manufacturer's electric vehicle sales.