Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales declined 5.5% in February from fewer deliveries of electrified vehicles.

The Dearborn automaker sold 149,962 vehicles last month, down from 158,675. Following the end of the federal plug-in vehicle tax credit in September, sales of all-electric vehicles declined by 71%, while hybrids fell almost 22% following the end of production of the Escape crossover, which had hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Large SUVs, however, proved resilient.

Dealer services provider Cox Automotive Inc. forecasted new-vehicle sales volume in February to finish at 1.19 million, down 3.4% from the same month in 2025. That makes for a seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales of about 15.6 million, a decline from last year's 16 million, but improved from a slower weather-affected January.

Gas- and diesel-powered vehicles, meanwhile, were basically flat. There was a 16% decline in F-Series pickup trucks, including a 76% drop of the now-discontinued F-150 Lightning. An aluminum shortage spurred by fires last fall at a supplier had affected truck assembly. Full production at the Novelis Inc. hot mill in New York is expected to be running at full capacity as early as May.

Despite the declines, Ford highlighted that its large SUVs had their best February sales in 26 years. Expedition rose 27% for a best start of the year in five years, Explorer increased by 33% and Bronco with an all-time record annual start was up 28%. Bronco Sport also had its best February sales ever, up 12%. Ford has expanded the Explorer trim lineup at the high and low ends and launched a new generation of the Expedition last year. Ford told dealers this week it's also bringing back Bronco's Wildtrack package.

Lincoln's 12% increase also was a highlight, driven by a 50% increase in Aviator sales. Navigator also increased 32%. Nautilus was roughly flat. The Ford Mustang coupe also increased 55%.

Ranger midsize truck sales rose 30%, and Maverick increased 1%. The Transit commercial van declined by 5%. Mustang Mach-E fell 54%.

Ford plans to launch an all-electric midsize pickup starting at $30,000 next year, the first of its next-generation EVs for North America on a new ground-up-developed platform. That will be key to Ford achieving profitability in its Model e EV division by 2029.

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