Ford's European Momentum Continues with Strong April Sales Gains

Sales in traditional Euro 19 markets increase by 6.4 percent to 129,500 units

Sales in Germany soared by more than 25 percent and in France by 27 percent

Monthly sales record in Russia and in commercial vehicles

COLOGNE, Germany, May 15 -- Ford of Europe's business momentum continued with another strong sales month in April.

Ford sales in the Euro 19 countries were up by 6.4 percent to 129,500 units, for a market share of 8.1 percent. When sales in Russia, Turkey and the 30 Ford European Direct Markets are added, Ford of Europe's sales for April totaled 161,140 units, an increase of 8 percent over the same month last year.

The new Focus was Ford of Europe's top-selling model in April, with 33,100 units across the Euro 19 markets, followed by the Fiesta, with 26,900 units. Sales of the new Mondeo increased further to 14,800 units.

April was a record month for commercial vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, with sales increasing by 1,900 to 23,500 units. This record was primarily driven by the Ford Transit, with over 15,600 units sold.

"Our sales volume grew in 14 of the Euro 19 markets, while our market share increased in 16 of those 19," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.

"It is particularly pleasing to note our performances in France and Germany, where sales were up 27 percent and 25 percent, respectively," said Sviggum. "And Ford leads the market in Spain after the first four months of the year -- a first for us in that country."

Ford's success in Russia continued with sales rising 17 percent to 18,200 units -- a record month. Sales in Turkey also improved, by 7.8 percent to 6,900 units, giving a market-leading share of 14.4 percent.

In the first four months of this year, Ford of Europe has sold 550,700 vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, giving a market share of 8.7 percent, up by 0.1 per cent versus the same period last year. Sales in Russia, Turkey and Ford's European Direct Markets added a further 112,000 units, taking the total to 662,700 units, an increase of three percent compared with last year.

"The new Ford Kuga which goes on sale next month will further strengthen the sales appeal of the blue oval, particularly as it benefits from the lowest CO2 emissions in the expanding compact 4x4 segment," Sviggum said.