Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

Automaker sold 38 in July, less than half of June total

David Shepardson - DETROITNEWS - August 3, 2012

Ford Motor Co. sold 38 electric Ford Focus cars in July — the latest sign of slow EV sales in the United States.

The Dearborn automaker said sales of Focus EVs fell by more than half from the 89 sold in June.

In seven months, Ford has sold 135 Focus EVs — including none in February, March or April.

The news comes at a time when other automakers are having mixed results selling electric vehicles in America.

Ford built 121 Focus EVs in July and now has assembled 884 this year, up from 763 through the end of June.

The automaker is only selling the Focus EV in New Jersey, New York and California. But it has heavily touted the vehicle, which will debut this fall in 19 markets — including Detroit... [Read More]

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

This shouldn't be too much of a surprise. The Focus EV is considerably more expensive than the Leaf, the iMiev or the forthcoming Fit EV, and it costs basically as much as the Volt.

And with gas prices sagging below $3.50, a drop in EV sales is exactly what we should expect. American consumers are notoriously fickle about vehicle choice when gas prices go up or down. In a related note, used Prius prices appear to be finally softening too.

Another factor may be the improved selection of FE gas cars. 40mpg is the new norm for the B and C class, a level unattained by just about any gas vehicles just 2-3 years ago. The availability of reasonably FE conventional cars (for half the price of a BEV) may also be making a dent in BEV sales. These cars are selling VERY well despite the drop in gas prices.

Just watch what happens when gas hits $4 again.

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

The main problems are the limited market that Ford has placed the car in. First by only selling it in a few select cities and states. Second there are very few people who are going to buy this car as their primary mode of transportation. Third at $40K they have limited the number of potential buyers.

It's a Specialty Item in Fords stable. This BEV Focus is for economy cars as is the $55K 550 HP Shelby GT 500 Mustang is for muscle cars. There only so many people who are going to be able to justify opening their wallets for such a unique vehicle on either end of the fuel economy and performance spectrum.

If that car was selling for $30K and I had a courier service in a large city I would buying those BEV Foci by the dozen.

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

Hi All:

A Disappointment as Ford Focus Electric Priced to “Sit” at $39,995

At $32K minus the TC and CA or IL state incentives (< $22K), it would stand a chance. At $39,995 minus the same, not even close. While the Volt is also overpriced, it is a much better value given its capability by comparison to the Focus Electric.

Wayne

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

The overall economy is very weak - The market for EV first adapters is small to begin with so unless Ford expands The Focus EV market - sales will be small. Without a critical mass of owner-drivers - the Focus EV will be a blip rather than a chapter in the history books

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

Hi Walter:

With the price at $40K, it will never hit critical mass. The heavily discounted LEAF (< $35K for the SL) saw just 395 new owners last month leaving the Focus Electric as a "No go from the get go" at $39,995.

It is not about locale as southern CA is probably the best place to own an EV. It’s the crazy high pricing that make this a very poor choice compared to just about anything else in the B and C-segment :(

Wayne

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

At this rate the Focus EV won't even be an effective compliance vehicle. :D

People with more money are lining up for a Tesla Model S.
Other people will be waiting for a TN LEAF.
Other people will be buying Volts and PiPs or waiting for an Energi.

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

Gas was $1 when the EV1 failed. At $3.50 it isn't much better.

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

This must be music to Fo.Mo.Co. ears, why buy a EV when the C-MAX hybrid is 15K less :eek:

Re: Sales of electric Focus dip sharply
 

I certainly was severely disappointed by the pricing for this vehicle. I was willing to pay a little more for the American brand if necessary, but the differential compared to the LEAF is just ridiculous. I got a good deal on the LEAF but even had I been able to buy the Focus BEV locally (which I can't) I still would have paid more than I did for the LEAF with shipping included. :(

Maybe next time, but it sure isn't looking promising at this point.