Ford of Europe Sales Buck Industry Trend to Rise 1.5 Percent in January

- Ford of Europe January sales rose to 142,460 despite industry downturn.

- Sales for new Mondeo rose more than 50 percent to 16,800.

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 11 -- Ford of Europe made a positive start to 2008, increasing sales in its main 21 markets by 1.5 percent, to 142,460. In a reduced overall market, Ford's January market share in Europe reached 9.0 percent.

The Focus was Ford's top-selling model, selling over 37,100 units. But it was the new Mondeo, which turned in a stunning performance, with sales leaping more than 50 percent to 16,800. Elsewhere in the Ford range, the Fiesta sold 29,380 units and C-MAX sales increased to 10,400.

In the Blue Oval's commercial vehicle range the Transit increased to 17,100 and the Transit Connect, which is to go on sale in the United States in mid-2009, sold 7,100 units.

Sales of the Ranger pickup soared more than 60 percent to 1,950.

Britain was the company's top market with sales exceeding 33,230, giving a market share of 17.6 percent.

The largest volume increase was in Turkey, where sales rose almost 45 percent to 5,160, for a market leading 17.7 percent share, Ford's highest in Europe.

Elsewhere in Europe, Italy sold 22,400 units and Germany 13,510. Spain increased 12.9 percent to 13,030 and France improved 18.1 percent to 12,540.

"While 2008 is forecast to be a challenging year for the European industry, we expect our sales momentum to continue," said Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe's vice president of Marketing, Sales & Service. "Our confidence is based on the strength of our current range and on the exciting new products we plan to introduce in 2008. The stylish new Focus goes on sale shortly, to be followed by the Kuga, which will set a new benchmark in the crossover segment. At next month's Geneva Motor Show we will also unveil a great-looking new car that has all the style, innovation, value and performance that motorists have come to associate with the Ford brand and that has been heralded by our acclaimed Verve concept."

Ford's sales data includes both passenger cars and commercial vehicles from its 21 major European Sales Companies, including Russia and Turkey. Market share excludes Russia.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 47 individual markets, including Russia and Turkey. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 -- the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. Ford of Europe now employs approximately 67,500 people. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 21 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures.

Ford Motor Company , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 245,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.