Shining Sales Figures From Ford In July

Ford of Britain's summer sales gathered momentum in July when the company reinforced its number one position as car and commercial vehicle market leader.

Figures out today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm Ford as Britain's top selling vehicle badge. In the first seven months of 2005 Ford sold 219,028 cars - 14.9 per cent of the market. Commercial vehicle registrations confirmed the same success story - 51,854 units sold year-to-date accounting for 22.8 per cent of the CV market.

Ford Focus continues its long reign as Britain's favourite car - a title held every year since the model was launched in 1998. Now the all-new Ford Focus which went on sale this year is proving equally as popular with motorists. So far this year 91,092 examples have been sold - putting the Ford Focus ahead of its nearest rival by a wide margin of 23,157 cars.

In addition to producing the UK's best selling car, Ford has long featured the nation's best loved commercial vehicle in its range. The Ford Transit, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, leads the commercial vehicle pack with almost 15 per cent of this year's total CV market registrations. Ford Transit has been the number one van in Britain for 39 successive years.

Other Ford highlights include:

• Strong popularity among retail (private) buyers who bought 2,365 more Ford cars than any other name plate in July alone.
• Ford Mondeo as Britain's top-selling diesel year-to-date.
• Ford Streetka continues to take a larger share of the cabriolet segment.

Morten Hannesbo, Ford of Britain sales director, said: "Ford turned up the heat in the car and commercial vehicle markets and is reaping the benefit. The all-new Focus continues to star in a revitalised Ford range which is second to none. Now all we need is more sunshine - especially for the 500 people taking to the road this summer in the new limited edition Ford Streetka Red ."