Ford retains new car market leadership in Scotland

Scottish motorists bought more new Ford cars than any other make in 2005, today's official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirm.

The Blue Oval secured 12.1 per cent of last year's market by selling 24,388 cars – beating its closest rival by more than 640 units. Ford was first in Scotland in 2004 also. In the UK Ford has been number one car brand for 29 successive years.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain's north region sales director commented: "Market leader is a title we are intent on keeping. Retaining the sales crown in what was a particularly competitive year is very satisfying.

"Ford has made a flying start to an exciting and busy year which will see us launch five new products. The 2006 Ford Fiesta and Fusion now on sale will help us celebrate 30 years of supermini success since the first Fiesta model arrived on Scotland's roads in 1976."

Douglas Robertson, chief executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, said: "This is proof that the new car buyer in Scotland has confidence in the quality of the products being offered by SMTA-franchised members. I believe it also reflects the fact that in real terms new cars are no more expensive than they were five years ago."