DEARBORN — With more than 2.4 million vehicles sold this year, Ford expects to retain its title as best-selling vehicle brand in North America in 2013. Company officials said the brand has also widened its lead over Toyota.

“The great news is that we are not overly reliant on any one segment — we’re seeing double-digit sales growth in cars, trucks and utilities,” said John Felice, vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service. “The Ford brand has had more retail share growth than any other brand in the country, with our most significant gains coming from import-dominated coastal markets. With 16 launches next year, we’re looking to keep our sales momentum going.”

For the full year in 2012, the Ford brand’s lead over Toyota totaled 329,677 vehicles. While December sales are not finalized, Ford expects that number to grow substantially. Through November, Ford’s lead over Toyota has widened to 396,041 vehicles, according to company officials.

Retail sales
Ford brand retail sales are up 15 % through November of this year, compared to 12 % for the brand overall. The strongest retail sales growth is coming from the traditionally import-dominated western and southeastern regions of the country. Ford retail sales are up 23 % in the West, while Southeast-region sales are up 18 %.

Ford brand retail sales are expected to surpass 1.7 million vehicles in 2013, which makes this the company’s best retail sales performance in six years. Passenger car retail sales will surpass 600,000 vehicles — the highest volume since 2000.

Growth in all segments
Ford Fiesta set a new sales record in 2013, with the company expecting 70,000-plus vehicles sold this year. The Ford Fusion also had its best year ever, with sales expected to exceed 290,000 vehicles.

Ford said it expects to own the best-selling utility brand title for the third straight year as well. Company officials expect the segment will outsell the second-place brand by more than 30 %. Sales of Ford utility vehicles are up 10.3%, totaling 621,652 units. Leading the way is the Ford Escape, with the company expected to end the year with 300,000 units sold — the best-ever year since the model’s launch in 1999. The Ford Explorer is up about 15 %, and is expected to be the best-selling midsize utility vehicle in the United States for 2013. This will be the best year for Ford utility vehicle sales since 2004.

Ford brand hybrid vehicle sales are expected to exceed 80,000 vehicles this year, nearly triple the total in 2012, making 2013 the company’s best-ever hybrid vehicle sales year. The all-new Ford C-MAX hybrid lineup is drawing nearly half of its customers from import brands, according to company officials.

An improved U.S. economy and an increase in home construction starts have helped boost Ford F-Series pickup to another sales crown as the nation’s best-selling truck for 37 straight years. With 688,810 units sold through November, the F-Series will be the overall best-selling vehicle in America for the 32nd year, according to company officials.