Ford's US sales up 6 percent in October

[November 02, 2011]  DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says its U.S. sales were up 6 percent in October thanks to strong sales of pickups and SUVs.

Sales of the Ford Explorer SUV more than tripled over last October, while F-Series pickup sales rose 7 percent.

Ford said car sales fell 8 percent. Among Ford's cars, only the subcompact Fiesta and the midsize Fusion saw small increases from last October.

Ford's luxury Lincoln brand also saw sales fall 11 percent. The company is in the midst of revamping that brand.

Analysts are expecting strong sales for the industry in October, partly because there were fewer earthquake-related shortages at Japanese automakers.

[Associated Press]

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