TLDR
- Ford’s U.S. sales for the third quarter totaled 507,395 light-duty vehicles, representing a 6.6% year-over-year decrease.
- The Dearborn-based automaker maintained its No. 3 position in U.S. sales, barely edging out Hyundai’s 506,200 combined units.
- Ford stock (F) declined 0.69%, losing $0.08 per share following the sales announcement.
- F-Series truck sales showed resilience with only a 1.9% decline, aided by recovering inventory following supplier disruptions.
- Electric vehicle sales collapsed 67.5% compared to last year as federal tax incentives disappeared.
Shares of Ford (F) declined 0.69% after the automaker disclosed a 6.6% decrease in third-quarter U.S. sales. Despite the softness, the company successfully defended its position as the nation’s third-largest automaker against a fast-growing Hyundai.
The company moved 507,395 light-duty vehicles throughout the three-month period. This figure doesn’t include heavy-duty commercial trucks, which are reported in a separate category.
Hyundai’s combined sales across its Kia and Genesis brands climbed 5.4% to reach 506,200 vehicles. Industry analysts at Cox Automotive had previously forecast that Hyundai would surpass Ford during this quarter.
Both manufacturers exceeded those projections. Through the first nine months of 2025, Ford maintains an advantage of approximately 89,700 units over Hyundai.
Ford emphasized that Hyundai and Kia function as distinct brands within the U.S. market. The automaker minimized the significance of how closely the Korean manufacturer has approached its sales volume.
Factors Behind the Decline
Ford discontinued both the Escape crossover and the Lincoln Corsair during the current year. This makes annual comparisons more challenging since these nameplates no longer contribute to sales totals.
Additionally, the automaker faced disruptions from two separate supplier facility fires last year. These incidents interrupted F-Series manufacturing and constrained sales for several months.
According to Rob Kaffl, Ford’s U.S. sales director, these supply chain issues have largely been addressed. He anticipates improved performance in the final quarter of the year.
Sales of the F-Series lineup, encompassing the F-150, decreased by just 1.9% during the quarter. This represents a considerably smaller drop than the company’s overall performance.
However, the now-discontinued F-150 Lightning electric truck negatively impacted that category. Lightning deliveries plummeted 97.1% in the quarter.
The core Ford brand experienced roughly a 6% quarterly decline. The premium Lincoln division suffered a steeper 18% drop.
Fuel Costs and Electric Vehicle Trends
Gasoline prices have surged significantly throughout the year. According to AAA data, the national average reached $4.43 per gallon in September, compared to $3.20 during the same period a year earlier.
Ford leadership indicates this price increase is steering consumers toward hybrid alternatives. Interest in hybrid powertrains, including those available in the F-150, has risen substantially.
The compact Maverick pickup, offered with a standard hybrid powertrain, recorded sales growth exceeding 20% to reach 41,970 units. This model ranks among Ford’s best-performing vehicles this quarter.
Overall truck sales for Ford, which include the F-Series family, actually increased 0.5% to 315,112 units. The truck segment continues to serve as the foundation of the company’s revenue.
Vehicle affordability remains a widespread concern for consumers throughout the automotive sector. The average transaction price for new vehicles climbed 1.9% to $50,089 in August, according to Cox Automotive data.
Ford’s electric vehicle segment presented a more troubling picture. EV sales dropped 67.5% year-over-year through September, including an 80% quarterly decline.
The comparison is particularly challenging because last year witnessed unusually strong EV demand. Consumers accelerated purchases to secure federal tax credits worth up to $7,500 before they were eliminated under the Trump administration.
Ford’s dramatic year-over-year EV decline primarily reflects the absence of those incentives rather than fundamental demand issues. The automaker has not revealed plans for new promotional programs to counteract the sales drop.
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