Ford (F) Says Brand Sales Surpass 2 Million

According to Ford Motor (NYSE:F) sales analyst Erich Merkle, Ford brand vehicle sales surpassed the 2 million mark in the U.S. for 2011.

The company added that utility vehicles are poised for a 30 percent increase in sales, while Ford's smaller cars are on track for a 20 percent gain.

In 2010, Ford sold just over 1.9 million cars in the U.S. Brand sales were up close to 18 percent through November.

J.D. Power noted that overall auto sales in the United States are on pace to top $13 million.

For 2011, Ford holds a market share in the U.S. of close to 17 percent, making them the No. 2 automaker in the market. General Motors (NYSE:GM), with the help of the government, is No. 1 in sales, holding a 20 percent market share.

As of November, the Ford brand sold 1.86 million new vehicles in the U.S. market. After that was GM's Chevrolet brand at 1.61 million, Toyota Motor Corp's (NYSE:TM) Toyota brand at 1.29 million and Honda Motor Co's (NYSE:HMC) Honda brand at 0.93 million.

Ford was trading at $10.74, gaining $0.06, or 0.61 percent, as of 1:21 PM EST.