Ford Motor Company reported a strong start to 2026, driven by strong demand for its high-margin SUVs and continued leadership of the Ford F-Series as America’s best-selling truck.
The automaker recorded total Q1 sales of 457,315 vehicles, with its estimated retail market share rising to 11.6%, up 0.2 percentage points year-on-year. Despite an overall sales decline of 8.8% due to product transitions and tough comparisons with 2025, Ford maintained momentum in key segments.
Truck leadership remained a cornerstone of Ford’s performance, with F-Series sales reaching 159,901 units in Q1. The brand continues its long-standing dominance and is on track to achieve 50 consecutive years as America’s best-selling truck. Combined pickup and van sales totaled 257,475 units, reinforcing Ford’s position as the top truck manufacturer in the U.S.
SUVs emerged as a major growth driver during the quarter. Combined sales of the Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, and Ford Bronco lineup increased by 17.9%, marking the strongest start for this segment since 2002. Explorer retained its title as America’s best-selling three-row SUV, with sales rising 29.7% to 61,387 units, while Expedition sales jumped 30.2% to 17,554 units.
Ford’s off-road performance vehicles, including Bronco, Raptor, Tremor, and FX4 variants, also saw steady growth, with sales up 5% in Q1. These models accounted for 23.5% of the company’s total U.S. sales mix.
In the commercial vehicle space, Ford maintained its leadership through Ford Transit, which recorded 34,248 units sold, making it America’s best-selling van. The company also remained the top commercial vehicle seller, continuing its decades-long dominance in the segment.
On the technology front, Ford’s digital and connected services business showed strong growth. Paid subscriptions for Ford Pro Intelligence increased by approximately 29% year-on-year, surpassing 865,000 active users. Meanwhile, its BlueCruise system exceeded 10.1 million cumulative hands-free driving hours, highlighting growing adoption of advanced driver assistance technologies.
Ford executives noted that the company’s strategic focus on high-demand segments such as trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles helped sustain retail share in a dynamic market. Looking ahead, Ford plans to strengthen its lineup further with upcoming launches and special editions, including new Mustang variants and updated Expedition models.
With strong SUV demand, continued truck leadership, and growing digital services, Ford is positioning itself for sustained growth in the evolving automotive landscape.
