Detroit auto makers delivered 180,451 new cars in the market in 2011, a 17.4% increase over prior-year. Asian auto makers saw deliveries rise 15.4% and Europe-based makers were up 19.7%.
Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe, expects the region’s light-vehicle sales to reach 14 million to 15 million units in 2012, falling considerably short of year-ago.
Leaner marketing and a consolidation of global platforms to just nine by 2013 is helping the auto maker leverage its assets and streamline its vehicle lineup worldwide.
Developing relevant products is as important to Lincoln’s reinvention as personalizing the dealership experience, but huge volumes are not necessary to build a credible luxury brand, says Jim Farley.
Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director-global electrification, says the heavy penetration of diesel-powered vehicles in most European countries makes hybrids a tough sell.