New Ford Fiesta Drives Sales Hat Trick

BRENTWOOD, United Kingdom – February 10, 2009: The Ford Fiesta was Britain's most popular car in January, the third successive month it has topped the UK's sales charts.

Despite the depressed UK market being over 30 per cent down on a year ago, Fiesta sales were up by 28.3 per cent last month. January brought more good news for Fiesta when the newcomer was declared What Car? Car of the Year 2009.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' latest figures, Ford Ka, Fiesta, Focus and Galaxy were all sales leaders in their segments. The new Ford Kuga crossover, capable of over 44mpg while emitting only 169g CO2/km, has been Britain's favourite compact 4x4 for four consecutive months.

The ever-strengthening appeal of Ford's new car range was reflected in an 18.7 per cent share of January's car market – up 2.4 points on 12 months ago.

The total market of cars and commercial vehicles combined shrunk by around 33 per cent to 127,398 units. While Ford accounted for almost one in five sales, its registrations were down by 27 per cent to 24,276 vehicles last month.

Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "Our aim of prioritising retail growth is paying off, buoyed by the new Ford small car range. New Ford Ka arrived last month, joining Fiesta to offer the combination of style, value and economy which private buyers are looking for more than ever."

Commercial vehicle registrations continue to falter as businesses restrict capital expenditure. The iconic Ford Transit held a 29 per cent market share last month but sales volumes mirrored those of all medium commercial vehicles, which continue to post figures almost half of those a year ago.