Ford outsells Toyota

For April, Ford — which has been distinguishing itself as the “different" American automaker that is surviving without federal assistance — sold 134,401 cars and trucks. Toyota sold 126,540.

In all, Ford said its sales declined 32% in April with its SUVs and trucks posting the largest declines.

The Ford F-Series pickup, which is Ford’s top-selling model and the best-selling vehicle in America, posted a 36% decline in April.

Even cars saw a drop in sales. Sales of the Ford Focus fell 51% last month.

One of the few vehicles to post a gain in April was the Ford Fusion, which saw sales spike 22% with a redesigned gasoline model and new hybrid model hitting the roads this season.

Despite the decline, Ford says it is gaining share in the retail market, which does not include fleet sales.

“We continue to operate in a very challenging economic and competitive environment," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of sales and marketing. “Especially given this external environment, we’re very encouraged by the consumer response to our new mid-size sedans." Detroit Free Press