Ford Leads September Market With Top Sellers In Cars And Commercials

BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – Oct 7, 2011: Ford was the clear UK market leader in September, the month when sales are boosted significantly by the registration plate change.

Official figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that total UK car sales in September, compared with September 2010, were down marginally 0.8 per cent at 332,476 units. Ford's total vehicle market share for September was 14.4 per cent and it sold 54,133 units. For the year to date Ford's total vehicle market share is 15.2 per cent, up 0.1 of a percentage point compared with the same period in 2010.

The Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus were No 1 and 2 at the top of the UK car sales chart for September and the year to date. Ford Transit continues its reign as UK commercial vehicle (CV) sales leader, capturing 24.4 per cent of sales in the medium CV sector in September and 25.1 per cent for the year to date.

Ford car sales in September totalled 43,350, down from 46,389 in September 2010. The successful launch of the new Ford Focus was underlined by a significant sales increase in September, compared with September 2010, up from 10,100 to 14,754. The Ford C-MAX, up from 1,190 to 2,755, and the Ford Galaxy, up from 897 to 1,070, also recorded sales increases compared with September 2010.

For the year to date, Ford total car sales are 214,628 and its market share is a leading 13.8 per cent, while Ford's share of retail car sales is 12.4 per cent, up from 11.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2010.

Ford's UK CV sales leadership, now in its 46th consecutive year, was stronger than ever in September with increased sales across the entire range, compared with September 2010. Total Ford CV sales increased in September from 9,972 to 10,783, compared with September 2010, and for the year to date have increased from 46,984 to 56,480, compared with the same period last year.

Ford's 24.5 per cent share of the total September CV market was unchanged compared with September 2010, while for the year to date Ford's 24.2 per cent share is up 0.4 percentage points compared with the same period in 2010.

Ford Fiesta Van, Ford Transit Connect, Ford Ranger and Ford Transit all recorded sales increases in September, compared with September 2010. Ford Transit sales were up from 7,879 to 8,623. For the year to date, Transit sales have risen from 34,683 to 44,765, compared with the same period in 2010.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "In an intensely competitive market we are delighted with the overall balance of demand for our best ever vehicle range. The Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus and Ford Transit stand out as vehicles of huge appeal to UK customers. Customers are recognising the outstanding value provided by these vehicles, and the entire Ford range, which is strengthening the market presence of the blue oval brand and helping to maintain our UK market leadership."