Ford to Follow GM in Dropping Monthly Sales Data

Ford Motor Co. says it will stop issuing public reports of its monthly U.S. sales results beginning in April.

Like General Motors Co., which adopted the same procedure last April, Ford says monthly figures are too volatile to present an accurate picture of sales trends. Both companies claim quarterly reporting will lead to more transparency, an assertion many analysts question.

Decades ago, U.S. carmakers made a similar argument for dropping then-standard 10-day sales reports and moving to monthly statements.

Ford’s move will begin in a year crowded with a significant overhaul of the company’s product lineup, which can cause temporary swings in sales. Ford will continue a plan to eliminate most of its conventional sedans, launch two new nameplates (the Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck and Lincoln Aviator crossover vehicle) and freshen its Escape and Explorer SUV/crossovers.