Retail demand drives Ford to New Year sales success

Ford's new product onslaught attracted more private new car buyers last month – boosting retail sales by 20 per cent compared with January 2007.

The refreshed range of blue oval cars, including the acclaimed new Ford Mondeo launched last year, won over more than 10,000 private customers last month. The balance of Ford's January business, to corporate car buyers, accounted for 16,480 car registrations.

This near 40/60 split between private and fleet sectors compares with a 30/70 split in January 2007, resulting in the 20 per cent increase in last month's retail sales volume.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Our sales momentum continues thanks to Ford's flow of new products, with the latest Ford Focus on sale this month followed by the Kuga crossover and a fresh small car line-up later this year."

Total private and fleet business year-to-date added up to 26,490 cars and 6,845 commercial vehicles, making Ford the UK's favourite car and CV brand by a clear margin.

The new Ford Focus, Britain's top selling car, boasts the latest 'kinetic' exterior design and technology such as Ford Easyfuel, to prevent filling up with the wrong type of fuel, and Ford Powerstart for keyless operation of doors and ignition. Since its launch in 1998, almost 1,120,000 new Ford Focus models have been delivered.

The UK-built Ford Transit, together with the Ford Ranger pick-up, are leading Ford's charge in the medium CV segment. Ford Transit's success was endorsed by nine awards last year and the Ford Ranger line-up includes the Wildtrak special edition with eye-catching exterior colours and a new 3.0-litre diesel engine.