Ford has reported a 12 million unit annual rate of sales in December, predicting an even higher year of sales for 2011.

Bloomberg reports that December marks the third consecutive month of industry-wide deliveries at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 12 million or more, while Ford believes this could rise to 13 million next year.

The motor company's US sale rose by 21 per cent in the first 11 months of 2010, nearly double the industry-wide gain of 11 per cent, spurred on by models such as the Fiesta subcompact and Taurus sedan.

"It will be slow but steady positive growth in 2011," the news provider reports George Pipas, sales analyst for Ford, as saying at a press briefing.

However, he added: "The unemployment rate will weigh on economic growth in 2011. There are no strong indicators that the housing sector will get better."

Earlier this month, Ford said it had strengthened its share of UK car retail sales in November, increasing its car retail share of the market by 0.7 per cent compared with 2009.

Sources:



Ford says US auto sales running at a 12 million pace (20/12/10)



Stronger retail sales help Ford maintain clear market leadership (06/12/10)

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