DEARBORN -- Despite a six-percent decline in September U.S. sales, Ford estimates it gained more than two points of market share compared to the same period a year ago.  September also marks the 11^th time in the last 12 months Ford has posted a retail share increase. 

For the third quarter, Ford sales increased five percent versus a year ago, making it the only full-line manufacturer to experience a sales increase for the period.   

"Instead of leaving us vulnerable to the peaks, valleys and dramatic segments shifts that shaped the industry in the third quarter, our broad and better-balanced product line delivered sales and share gains from all corners – Focus, Fusion, Escape and F-Series; small, medium and large; cars, utilities and trucks," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. 

The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus beat increasing sales objectives throughout September, finishing the month with 60 percent more sales than a year ago.     

"I don't think you'll find many products that bucked the industry trend this well," Czubay said.  "Also encouraging to us is that consumers are equipping the new Taurus with a very high level of content."

F-Series posted its second consecutive sales increase in September (up 4 percent), pushing its year-to-date full-size truck market share up 3 percentage points to 35 percent. 

Ford's new EcoBoost engine technology continues to exceed planned rates.   September sales nearly tripled those in August. 

During a sales teleconference Thursday with analysts and media, Czuby said the improving residual values of the company's products provide the opportunity for Ford to expand its leasing program.  Certain vehicle lines and geographic areas will be targeted.  Details will be announced soon.

"We've got quite a bit going on in the market place," said Czubay.  "I think we see the gradual improvement in the economy…I'm quite optimistic about October."