http://today.reuters.com/business/ne...HYBRIDS-DC.XML


DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. <F.N> said on Monday that U.S. sales of its hybrid vehicles rose 50 percent to nearly 2,800 last month, boosted by aggressive incentives.

Preliminary numbers indicate Ford's hybrid sales were up 75 percent compared with March, Ford spokesman Monte Doran said.

Ford is expected to post an overall decline in April sales on weak demand for its traditional SUVs. Automakers are expected to release monthly U.S. sales results on Tuesday.

Ford began offering interest-free loans for up to 60 months to consumers nationwide in April on its Escape hybrid and Mariner hybrid sport utility vehicles.

In addition to rebates, Ford is also spending on advertising campaigns, featuring Kermit the Frog, that tout the company's commitment to hybrids.

"Our sales record is the product of an integrated marketing campaign to raise awareness for Ford's hybrid vehicles," Barry Redler, Ford's SUV group marketing manager, said in a statement.

Federal and state tax benefits, which in some states can total as much as $5,925, also fueled demand, Ford said.

Building and selling more hybrids is a major part of Ford's turnaround strategy, even though there are signs the hybrid market is cooling off.

The automaker is far behind leader Toyota Motor Corp. <7203.T> in hybrid sales in the United States, but is planning to boost production of the fuel-saving vehicles 10-fold to 250,000 by the end of the decade.

 

I am glad to be one of the ones that bought an '06 FHE in April.

 

Me too!

 

Guess I'm an early early adopter, having purchased our '06 Ford Escape Hybrid in early March.

 

Actually, Ford's hybrid sales are up 100% (if I can do my math correctly). According to their press release today, they sold 3420 units (3039 Escapes, 381 Mariners) after selling only 1705 units last April.

 

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...SS01/605020340

 

Yep, I'm a proud owner of an 06 FEH purchased in April.

Between my X-plan pricing, the 0% interest for 60 months, the Federal Income Tax deduction and the continual increase in gas prices it was an easy decision.

 

I too am a contributor to the April statistics.

06 FEH (FWD) purchased 21 April 2006
Black on Graphite
+Dealers X-Package
7/100K ESP + 0%

 

Interesting to note no mention of the introduction of x-plan pricing to many people allowed corporate discounts. We hadn't really considered FEH an option until that happened.

 

Bought mine in April as well. $13000 trade-in on an '03 escape, 0% interest for 5 years, $2000 tax credit, gas at $3.07 a gallon before the summer driving season increase, made it an easy decision. Not to mention the lower emissions