​DEARBORN – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. retail sales increased  2 percent in July versus year-ago levels, driven by strong retail customer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Fusion exceeded its best-ever July sales record last month, with 23,326 vehicles sold. Mustang sales increased 8 percent versus last year, with 7,371 vehicles sold, representing its third straight month of sales gains since 2013 models started arriving in dealerships.

Explorer sales totaled 11,313 vehicles in July – its best-ever July sales result since 2006. 

Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle, reported its 12th straight month of sales increases, with 49,314 F-Series sold. EcoBoost-equipped F-150s made up 42 percent of retail sales in July.

Overall, Ford Motor Company sales were down 4 percent in July due to lower fleet sales. Fleet sales were down 16 percent. Retail sales were up 2 percent.