Ford Ties With Toyota for Brand Leadership in Southland, Data Show

Ford Motor Co. has had more problems than prizes lately, but whatever its corporate woes, Ford products--particularly trucks--remain a favorite in import-crazy Southern California, according to sales reports filed last year with J.D. Power & Associates by 187 area new-car dealers.

Data compiled by the Agoura Hills market consulting firm show Ford tied with Toyota for brand leadership in Southern California, each with 21% of the market, unchanged from 2000. General Motors Corp. was third with a 17% share, up from 16%; Honda was fourth with 12%, up from 11%; and Chrysler was fifth at 8%, down from a 9% share.

Nissan, which was late to the party with new models, finished sixth, as its share of the Southland market fell to 4% from 8%.

Ford led the truck category with its F-150 outselling all other pickups, according to the Power data; Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 pickup captured second place, the Ford Ranger took third, followed by Toyota’s Tacoma in fourth place and Tundra in fifth.

Ford also led the sport-utility category with the Expedition in first place and the Explorer in second. Chevy took third with the Tahoe, Toyota’s 4Runner was the fourth best-selling SUV and the Jeep Grand Cherokee was fifth.

Honda Accord was the best-selling passenger car. The Civic was second, Toyota’s Camry and Corolla took the next two slots, and Ford’s Focus finished fifth.

John O’Dell