Automotive News reports that the research firm Compete, Inc., which compiles data on online automotive shopping trends, has found that Ford seems to be closing the gap on top-ranked Toyota. Ford has a long way to go before it catches up with Toyota in actual sales, but apprently more and more buyers are looking at Ford when shopping for new cars. Edmunds.com also has found that shoppers are increasingly stopping at Ford’s web site to take a look.

That increased interest among shoppers may be translating into sales, too. Toyota’s sales lead over Ford has shrunk considerably during 2009. A series of recalls and fierce competition from the Korean brands have dulled Toyota’s luster while Ford is gaining respect for improved quality and exciting new products (not to mention turning down Federal bail out money).

Toyota’s Bob Carter downplays the importance of being number one. Yeah, right, and politicians don’t really pay attention to polls.

--M.D.