Some good news from Ford.

While Chrysler and GM continue to hemorrhage blood and lose limbs, Ford is suffering flesh wounds. June auto sales numbers were announced today. Chrysler sales fell 42% and GM sales declined 33%, while Ford sales fared better, falling 11% in June, compared to last year, a smaller decline than expected by analysts. More importantly, Ford increased its market share 3%; second-quarter and first-half market share also increased.
What this means in the long-term is still unclear, given the nearly bottomless government-sponsored pockets into which GM and Chrysler can plunge their graspy hands, looking for loose change. I take it to mean that the general American public is perhaps not so ignorant as many in Washington may believe. Recall Ford did not receive federal assistance and has not been forced into bankruptcy. Perhaps these sales numbers reflect the general distrust of governmental interference in private industry and misgivings regarding the Obama administration's machinations in the private sector.
Another reason for Ford’s better outlook is surely the strength of their current product lineup. I am tremendously intrigued by the new Taurus SHO, and am completely enamored of the 2010 Mustang.
Ford’s outlook seems to be improving. Now that government has a financial interest in the performance of GM and Chrysler, however, that may change, as the potential for new federal regulations that put undue, unfair pressure on Ford is very real.
Regardless, today's positive news gives me another reason to feel optimistic and promote Ford, the Last Great American Car Company.
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