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Ford Leads the March On Winning Over '07 Car Buyers


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BRENTWOOD, Essex, 6 March, 2007 - Market leader Ford enters the year's busiest sales month well ahead of the competition, according to industry figures out today. The best selling blue oval range is set to repeat previous performances during the March plate change month with more "07"-registered vehicles than any other manufacturer.

Ford cars have outsold all other brands for 30 consecutive years. And blue oval commercial vehicles have dominated their market every year since 1966. Now the company has secured over 18 per cent of the total year-to-date vehicle market, comprising cars and commercial vehicles combined – almost a percentage point up on a year ago.

Ford commercial vehicles and larger cars have led the sales charge so far this year. The Southampton-built Ford Transit, Europe's International Van of the Year 2007, has enjoyed a 20 per cent rise in registrations. The same rise in popularity applies to the smaller Ford Transit Connect commercial vehicle.

Europe's Car of the Year 2007, the Ford S-MAX, continues its dramatic impact on the MPV segment (Multi Purpose Vehicles). Ford sold almost 2,200 S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs in the first two months of the year - up over 240 per cent on the 900 registrations in the same period last year.

Current Ford Mondeo has had an exceptionally good run-out period ahead of the arrival of an all-new version, which was unveiled in final form at the Geneva motor show today.

Around 30 per cent more Ford Mondeos were registered in the first two months of this year compared with January and February 2006. The new Ford Mondeo is available to order from this month – three months ahead of its UK on sale date.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "I expect more people to join the thousands who have already requested information on the new Mondeo once they see coverage of the show and read more about the next Mondeo range. Ford dealerships are looking forward to welcoming old friends and new during this busy '07' month."