Ford Motor Co. experienced a significant shift in its vehicle sales mix in February 2025, with hybrid models gaining traction while electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) sales faced headwinds. The U.S. automaker reported a 27.5% increase in hybrid vehicle sales, reaching 15,357 units, showcasing a growing consumer preference for fuel-efficient alternatives.
Ford’s Sales Breakdown: Hybrid Strength, ICE Weakness
Despite the strong performance of hybrids, Ford’s EV sales increased at a slower pace, rising by 15% to 7,326 units. Meanwhile, traditional gasoline-powered vehicle sales saw a sharp decline of 12.7%, totaling 135,992 units. This highlights a shifting trend in the automotive market as more consumers explore hybrid and EV options amid rising fuel prices and policy uncertainty.
Truck Sales Up, But SUVs and Cars Take a Hit
Breaking down Ford’s performance by vehicle category, truck sales climbed by 7.7% to 91,735 units, reflecting continued demand for Ford’s popular F-Series and other light-duty models. However, SUV sales fell sharply by 24.4% to 64,148 units, while passenger car sales tumbled by 32.2% to just 2,792 units. The steep decline in SUVs and cars suggests potential supply chain challenges or shifting consumer preferences.
Tariffs and Cost-Cutting Measures Impacting Sales
Ford attributed the overall sales decline to cost-cutting strategies and potential disruptions from U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. These factors may have contributed to the mixed results, as consumers and businesses navigate uncertainties in trade policies and production costs.
Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive Inc., warned of possible economic hurdles ahead. “Though we are still optimistic about market growth in 2025, policy changes regarding tariffs and battery electric vehicle credits by the new Trump administration could have significant negative effects on the current outlook,” Chesbrough said in a statement.
Other Automakers See Mixed Results
While Ford faced headwinds, other automakers posted growth in February. Subaru Corp. reported a 4.1% increase in sales, Hyundai Motor Co. achieved a record February sales growth of 3%, and Kia Corp. saw a 7.2% rise in sales, according to the Detroit News. These gains suggest resilience in certain segments of the automotive industry, even as policy uncertainties loom.
The evolving automotive landscape, coupled with shifting consumer preferences and potential policy changes, will continue to shape Ford’s strategy in the coming months. The strong performance of hybrid models indicates a promising area of growth, while the impact of tariffs and economic policies will remain key factors to watch.
