Ford Fiesta Sales Rise

Ford Fiesta sales are up by over 26 per cent thanks to the continuing appeal of the UK's top-selling car - declared Auto Express' prestigious 'Car of the Year' and the momentum behind the Government's scrappage scheme.

The Ford Fiesta represents 44 per cent of Ford's scrappage business, which added almost 4,000 registrations last month and a total of 16,500 vehicles to Ford's order bank since the scheme began.

Scrappage purchases, which are incentivised with discounts of up to £5,000 off a new Ford, are included in the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' latest industry figures.

They show market leader Ford ahead with 24,679 car sales last month and 15.7 per cent of registrations. As well as Ford Fiesta's success in the small car market, Ford's seven-seater MPV range of S-MAX and Galaxy outperformed their sales results of a year ago.

Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "Ford's performance demonstrates how strong products can build sales even in the toughest trading climate. Scrappage is benefitting the whole Ford range, but especially Ford Fiesta and Ka. These are good looking, highly specified cars competing well above the scrappage entry-level heartland. Ford is bracing itself for a bumper September to welcome the new '59' plate."

The Ford Fiesta is Britain's best selling car for the eighth time in nine months, with the Ford Focus again in second place.

Sales are soaring for Fords with emissions of 120g CO2/km and less - up by 92 per cent year to date for the 45 Ford Ka, Fiesta, Fusion, Focus and C-MAX derivatives in the £35 annual road tax bracket.