Ford leads September market as Fiesta drives retail growth
Ford maintained its clear UK market leadership in September when overall sales were boosted by the registration plate change.
Official figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that Ford was overall car sales leader in September and for the year to date, with 56,361 and 277,410 registrations, respectively. Ford's share of car sales for the month was 13.8 per cent and for the year to date 14.1 per cent.
The overall UK car market was down 8.9 per cent in September, compared with a scrappage-boosted 2009. For the year to date the UK market is tracking up 7.8 per cent and for the full year 2010 sales are expected to exceed the total for 2009.
Ford's September car retail sales share increased from 12.3 to 12.8 per cent compared with September 2009 and the quality of this share was emphasised by a corresponding increase - from 10.2 to 11.1 per cent - in its share of the "private" segment, which more closely reflects the preferences of the individual retail customer.
Ford Fiesta continued its outstanding sales performance as the UK No 1 best seller for September and for the year to date. This Ford model alone captured 5.7 per cent of the market in September and 5.3 per cent for the year to date.
Ford's UK commercial vehicle sales leadership, now in its 45th consecutive year, was reinforced by increased sales for both the Ford Transit and the Ford Fiesta Van. The Ford Transit captured 38.7 per cent of the one tonne segment and 38.5 per cent of the two tonne segment in September, while the Ford Fiesta Van leads its segment with a 45.1 per cent share in September and 56.8 per cent for the year to date.
Ford Transit sales were up from 6,617 in September 2009 to 7,879 last month and for the year to date they increased from 28,579 to 34,683. Ford Fiesta Van sales also increased over these periods rising from 307 to 385 for the month and from 1,748 to 2,391 for the year to date.
Nigel Sharp, managing director Ford of Britain, said: "In an intensely competitive market we are delighted with the overall balance of demand for our most appealing ever range of vehicles, especially the strength of demand in the private retail sector. Retail sales accounted for more than 52 per cent of our total registrations in September. A clear pricing policy and advertising communications emphasising the outstanding value provided by the Ford range are strengthening the market presence of the brand and securing our UK market leadership."
