Slow truck sales keep Ford's U.S. sales flat in August

DETROIT -- Ford's U.S. sales were flat in August as slowing pickup truck sales masked gains elsewhere.

Ford is offering fewer discounts on F-Series trucks to limit sales while it closes plants to prepare for a new F-150, which will go on sale later this year.

As a result, F-Series truck sales fell 4 per cent in August to 68,109.

The Ford Fusion midsize sedan set an August sales record, with sales up 19.5 per cent to 29,452. Ford's car sales rose 2 per cent overall.

SUV sales were stronger, up 5 per cent. Explorer SUV sales jumped 25 per cent to 17,748, while sales of the smaller Escape SUV rose 8.5 per cent to 28,996.

Lincoln brand sales rose less than 1 per cent to 8,146 despite the arrival of the MKC, a new small SUV.