DETROIT (AP) — Ford’s U.S. sales were flat in August as slowing pickup truck sales masked gains elsewhere.

Ford is offering fewer discounts on F-Series trucks to limit sales while it closes plants to prepare for a new F-150, which will go on sale later this year.

As a result, F-Series truck sales fell 4 percent in August to 68,109.

The Ford Fusion midsize sedan set an August sales record, with sales up 19.5 percent to 29,452. Ford’s car sales rose 2 percent overall.

SUV sales were stronger, up 5 percent. Explorer SUV sales jumped 25 percent to 17,748, while sales of the smaller Escape SUV rose 8.5 percent to 28,996.

Lincoln brand sales rose less than 1 percent to 8,146 despite the arrival of the MKC, a new small SUV.

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