Ford new models deliver 2007 sales prize

Ford enters the new year poised to add more new products to a range of exciting new cars and CVs that has already attracted thousands of new customers to the blue oval in 2007.

Successful newcomers last year included the Ford Mondeo, the C-MAX Multi-Activity Vehicle and the Transit Sport Van. Ford Focus has been best seller every year since 1999. Ford Fiesta remains the private, or retail, customers' favourite.

Overall Ford sales rose 1.6 per cent, or 7,275 units, to more than 444,600 vehicles in 2007 – comprising 348,982 cars and 95,623 CVs – to be top selling UK brand with a 15.9 per cent market share.

Ford's popularity is accelerating among private buyers. This sales momentum is set to continue into the new year thanks to Ford's new product onslaught, with the latest Ford Focus on sale this month followed by the Kuga crossover and a fresh small car line-up.

By the turn of this year Ford will boast one of the youngest and broadest car ranges in the industry, with every major model launched within the previous 24 months. In 2007 new model introductions contributed to a 9,550 unit, or 6.5 per cent, rise in retail sales of Ford vehicles versus 2006.

More private customers are choosing Ford CVs. Light commercials such as short wheelbase Ford Transit Connect and Fiesta Van increased their retail share by over two per cent in 2007.

Long wheelbase Transit Connect, Ford Ranger and the iconic Ford Transit dominate medium commercials with a 30.3 per cent segment share.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Many people's new year resolution has been to take a look at Ford's latest line-up. This year we're celebrating 10 years of Ford Focus with a stylish new technology-laden model and entering a new segment with the Ford Kuga. These and our other 2008 launches mean an exciting year for dealers and customers alike."

Other 2007 Ford highlights according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders:

Ford S-MAX annual registrations up 100 per cent compared with 2006
New Mondeo sales up nine per cent over prior model
Rise of over five per cent in demand for Ford C-MAX
Ford Fiesta accounts for one in 20 retail sales to lead the market
Ford Ka takes a fifth of sales in city car segment

Ford collected over 40 awards for its vehicle range and company successes during 2007 – including the new Mondeo becoming Scotland's Car of the Year and Autocar selecting Ford as the European car company of the year.