Ford is likely to lose market share in 2012 in the US, the first decline since 2008, Amercas chief Mark Fields said.
Ford should, however, book higher margins and profits than previously expected in North America, Fields, said at a presentation to investors hosted by Bank of America, the Wall Street Journal reported. Ford raised its forecast for US industry sales to between 14.5m and 15m vehicles, including sales of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, up from its previous target range of 13.5m to 14.5m.
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Fields said capacity constraints because of the faster than expected growth may lead to the lower market share but could mean higher pricing and margins for its vehicles.
Ford gained market share in the US in 2009, 2010 and 2011, touching 16.8% last year after hitting a low of 14.4% in 2008. But in the first quarter of 2012, the company’s share is down 0.8% year on year and the company changed its forecast of a stable share to a declining share.
Ford on 2 April reported US sales had risen 5% in March and it had record deliveries of its compact Focus compact as well as strong sales of its full-sized F-series pick ups.
