Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Sales up 43% Compared to March 2009 (NYSE: F)

Sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles totaled 178,546 for the month of March, a 43% increase compared to the same month one year ago.

Ford sales rose 46% versus on year ago, Lincoln sales increased 19% compared to one year ago and Mercury sales are up 26% compared to one year ago.

Car sales by the Detroit, MI based company are up 53% compared to one year ago, utility vehicles are up 46% and trucks are up 30%. Retail sales rose 38% and fleet sales rose by 53%. For the first quarter, sales totaled 428,596, an increase of 37% compared to the first quarter of 2009.

Ford marked its gain in retail market share for the 17th time in18 months as car buyers increasingly view Ford vehicles as being reliable, high-quality and fuel efficient.

“Our dealers welcome more new customers every day with the strongest lineup of products in our history,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “We are working to build further on this sales momentum by delivering even more new products with industry-leading quality, smart technologies and fuel-efficient powertrains this year.”

Vehicles which are new or have been significantly upgraded this year include the Ford Fiesta, Focus, Edge and Edge Sport, Explorer, F-Series Super Duty, Transit Connect Electric, Lincoln MKX crossover and the brand’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid midsize sedan.