(March 3, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Despite Ford's total U.S. sales off 6 percent from February 2013, Ford's F-Series pickup recorded its best February sales in eight years with 55,882 units sold.

Ford had total sales of 183,947 vehicles in February  with retail sales of 125,919 vehicles, off 4 percent. In addition to the F-150, Lincoln brand vehicles posted strong gains.

“Sales surged in the final week, providing us momentum after a slow start to the month,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “Ford Fusion continued its strong retail sales performance in the West, outpacing the mid-size sedan segment. F-Series and Lincoln also continued to perform well.”

Led by MKZ and MKX, Lincoln sales of 6,661 are up 36 percent in February compared with a year ago. This represents Lincoln’s fifth straight month of positive sales gains, with double-digit gains in four of these five months. Over the last five months, Lincoln sold 34,476 vehicles, representing a 26 percent increase over the same period one year ago.

Ford Motor Company fleet sales were off 10 percent in February, as winter weather again delayed a portion of fleet orders. The volumes are anticipated to be made up in March.