Ford Fiesta shines in first sales charts of anniversary year

The 2006 Ford Fiesta began celebrating 30 years of success by bucking January's small car market and increasing sales by over 16 per cent.

The latest high-tech Ford Fiesta has again captured the hearts of the British public – just as it did when first launched in 1976. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that almost one in four small car buyers choose a Ford Fiesta.

Bluetooth, voice control, new design and colours inside and out are the features which helped sell 8,495 Ford Fiestas last month. Fiesta's sales surge made the car Britain's second best seller overall – behind the Ford Focus which has been number one for seven years.

Voice control technology in the Ford Fiesta enables the driver's spoken commands to change audio and temperature settings, or make a phone call without taking either eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. The audio system automatically mutes during calls and plays the caller's voice through the stereo loudspeakers for maximum clarity.

Buoyed by Focus first and Fiesta second in the sales charts, Ford took 16.7 per cent of January's car market – up on last year. Focus was also top diesel car and Mondeo number one large car.

Steve Hood, Ford of Britain marketing director, said: "The popularity of the Fiesta is defined by its amazing sales success. It's been in the top 10 British best sellers since 1977 – a feat unmatched by any other car. I'm delighted our customers continue to choose Fiesta in its 30th birthday year and beyond."

In the commercial vehicle sector, Ford Transit is also enjoying rising volumes. More than 3,530 of the iconic vehicles have been registered this year to date – over 11 per cent up on 2005.

Ford has been Britain's favourite car brand for 29 successive years and top commercial vehicle brand for 40 consecutive years.