Ford Sales Drop in October
Supply issues continue to stymie carmaker.

Ford sold 158,327 vehicles in October, down from just under 176,000 a year earlier.
IMAGE: Ford
Ford sales fell 10% in October despite overall industry gains. Supply-chain issues continued to bedevil the automaker.
It said it sold 158,327 vehicles, down from just under 176,000 a year earlier.
Other carmakers’ sales, including those of Toyota, Kia and Mazda, rose in October, while Honda’s fell.
Industrywide new-vehicle sales indicate volumes will exceed Cox Automotive's forecast. "Overall, it now appears the new-vehicle sales pace in October was the strongest since January," Cox said in a news release.
But Ford has struggled with supply availability issues, sitting on tens of thousands of vehicles while awaiting parts to finish them. The shortages and increased supply costs jacked up its third-quarter expenses by about $1 billion.
Meanwhile, interest rate hikes are likely to put a dent in future sales, as the average percentage rate for new-car loans rose to a several-year high in October to 6.3%.
“New vehicle inventory might finally be improving, but the automotive industry is still on a long road to recovery because rising interest rates are creating a major barrier to entry for car shoppers," analyst Jessica Caldwell of market researcher Edmunds said in a statement. "Many consumers who have been sitting out of the market due to high prices and limited options will likely continue to do so over high interest rates."
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More F&I

Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →