National Figures Show British Consumers Continue to Choose Ford As Their Favorite New Car

    BRENTWOOD, England, March 6 Ford was Britain's best-
selling nameplate for new cars in February with total sales of 16,873,
representing 21.3% of the total new car market.
    The Ford Focus retained its position as Britain's most popular car with
the Ford Mondeo in second position.  The retail market was mirrored in the
fleet market with the Ford Focus and the Ford Mondeo taking first and second
positions.
    Sales performance highlights in February included:

    *  Ford Focus retained its position as Britain's best-selling new car with
sales of 6,800.
    *  Ford Mondeo was the second best-selling new car in the retail market
with sales of 4,505 and best-selling car in its segment.
    *  Ford Focus was the best-selling fleet car with Ford Mondeo the second
best-selling fleet car.
    *  The Ford Galaxy also proved its continuing popularity, maintaining its
lead in the MPV segment with more sales than the combined total of its nearest
two competitors.
    *  Ford maintained its segment leadership in the light commercial vehicle
sector with 37.6% of the new sales market.
    *  The Ford Transit continued its leadership of the commercial vehicle
market with sales of 2,391, representing 33.0% of the market.

    Ian McAllister, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Britain, said: "The
new Mondeo is on the forecourts and we are confident that customers will take
the opportunity to find out for themselves why this car deserves the numerous
independent awards it is winning across Europe.  Here in Britain, the awards
for the new Mondeo include the prestigious What Car? and BBC Top Gear Car of
the Year Awards for 2001."