Ford outsells GM as both companies report increase in sales

Date: 4/3/2010

Ford has outsold its rival General Motors (GM) for the first time since 1998, according to a news report.

"Ford's leadership in quality, fuel, efficiency, safety, smart design and value are resonating with customers," Ken Czubay of Ford told BBC News.

His comments emerge as Ford reported a 43 per cent jump in US sales last month. GM had a rise of only 11.5 per cent.

Total sales for Ford in February were 142,285 while GM's were 141,951.

GM is discontinuing four of its brands including Saab, Hummer, Saturn and Pontiac. Sales for GM's core brands of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac rose 32.3 per cent in February.

Toyota had an 8.7 per cent decrease in sales after the company recalled over eight million cars in January over concerns about faulty accelerator pedals and brakes.

Bob Carter, Toyota group vice president, told BBC News that he was surprised that they sold as many cars as they did in February.

Nissan, Honda and Hyundai also recorded sales growth in the double digits in February.