January Buyers Help Ford Lift The Retail Gloom

Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm that Ford has started the new year exactly as it left 2004 - as market leader in new cars and commercial vehicles.

Ford Focus remained Britain's most popular choice. Even before the launch of the new car on 8 January, Ford dealers had pre-sold the entire 9,000-unit production allocated to the UK - and taken customer orders for many more.

"Our production plants are now working flat out to catch up with customer demand for the new Focus," Paul Thomas, Managing Director, Ford of Britain, explained. "Fortunately we still have a limited supply of existing Focus models, but these are also selling fast," he added.

Another newcomer to Ford dealer showrooms this year, the sporty Fiesta ST, also caught the public's imagination. Within days of the ST's details being announced, over 60 per cent of the initial UK production - some 2,280 units - had been snapped up by enthusiast customers.

This stronger-than-expected retail sales performance saw Ford products capture an impressive 13.9 per cent of this sector of the market – double that of its nearest competitor. And in the medium commercial vehicle sector, the Ford Transit and Ford Ranger models continue to dominate, together outselling the major competitor by a factor of almost three.

In addition to the engine and power train choices already available on new Focus, customers can now order the proven 2.0 litre Duratec 145PS petrol engine matched with Durashift four-speed automatic transmission on Focus Zetec, Zetec Climate, Ghia and Titanium.

The company is further stimulating the retail sector of the market by offering outstanding prices on 2004 model year vehicles while stocks last. Sample savings off the recommended retail prices include £800 (Ka), £1,750 (Fiesta Flame), £2,410 (Focus Flight), £2,877 (Mondeo LX) and £3,260 (Galaxy Zetec). The "Ford February Sale" will run from now until February 28.

These prices do not apply to 2005 model year cars or built-to-order vehicles.