An extended winter season in the Northeast and other parts of the country, in addition to economic concerns, lowered Mustang sales compared to the 14,737 cars sold in March of last year. The change is a 31% drop.

Overall, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 213,074, down 14 percent compared with a year ago.

The new Focus has helped Ford increase its share in the growing small car market and is attracting younger buyers. Compared with the previous model, buyers are equipping the Focus with more features, like SYNC, Ford’s exclusive, in-car connectivity technology.

Edge retail sales were up 35 percent in March and 52 percent in the first quarter, thanks in part to stronger sales on the coasts. The California region accounted for more than 10 percent of Edge sales in the first quarter of 2008, versus 7 percent in the first quarter 2007. First quarter retail sales on the west coast and Northeast more than doubled compared with a year ago.

Truck sales were off significantly, both for the month (-17.3%) and year to date (-9.0). Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications, said of the trend, "This is a very challenging external environment, reflecting a seismic shift in consumer preferences."