Ford Strengthens UK Sales Lead as New Price Strategy Rolls out

BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 6, 2010: Ford's clear UK vehicle market leadership was confirmed in July as its new pricing strategy came into effect across its passenger car range.

According to official figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ford was the overall car sales leader in July, with 18,442 registrations, and for the year to date (176,792). Ford also boosted its lead in retail car sales in July with a share of 12.1 per cent, up 1.0 percentage points compared with July 2009.

As well as being the favourite of retail customers, Ford Fiesta was again the overall UK best seller in July, and for the year to date. Ford Focus maintained its second place in the sales chart for registrations to the end of July.

Ford's latest pricing strategy for passenger cars is set to strengthen the brand's appeal for retail customers. Ford has reduced official recommended list prices on its medium and small cars from August, following similar action on Ford's large cars in April. Ahead of these price changes, dealers have been offering special promotions which mirror these lower prices.

Nigel Sharp, managing director Ford of Britain, said: "Ford's clearer pricing policy, started early in 2010, becomes permanent this month. This will confirm to our customers that Ford provides the best value, that they will get high-quality and technically advanced features as well as a competitive price."

There were significant advances in Ford commercial vehicle (CV) sales in July. Total Ford CV sales in July were up 1,461 to 5,242 compared with July 2009. Ford CV share was up by 3.3 percentage points to 25.6 per cent compared with July 2009.

Ford medium CV share in July was up 3.6 percentage points to 28.1 per cent compared with the same period last year. Ford medium commercial vehicle sales in July were up 1,501 to 4,324 compared with July 2009.

Ford Transit was again a stand out leader in the medium CV sector with its sales and market share increased for both July and the year to date. Ford Transit sales for July and for the year to date were 3,905 and 24,987, respectively, compared with registrations of 2,134 and 20,470 for the same periods in 2009. Ford Transit medium CV market shares were up 6.9 percentage points to 25.4 per cent for July and up 0.7 percentage points to 23.7 per cent for the year to date, compared with the same periods in 2009.