DETROIT, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- After 17 years as domestic sales leader, Ford is looking over its shoulder at Chevrolet as Chevy sales approach U.S. records, Autodata Corp. said.
Chevrolet outsold Ford by some 18,000 vehicles in July and end-of-model year incentives are expected to keep Chevy's sales strong for September.
Ford outsold Chevy by 700,000 vehicles as recently as 1999, the Detroit News said.
Global Insights Inc. estimates Chevrolet could have record sales of 2.69 million vehicles for 2004, while Ford sales may slip to 2.66 million units.
Chevy last was America's favorite auto brand in 1986 when it outsold Ford by 200,000 vehicles, but Ford regained bragging rights with the success of its Taurus and Explorer sport-utility vehicle.
"It won't change the history of the world," said Bob Lutz, GM's vice president for product development. "But it would be a useful rallying point for the Chevy organization, internally and for our dealers."
