Ford Retains Number One September Sales Spot

Ford of Britain once again confirmed its leadership position as Britain's favourite car and van brand with a resounding sales performance in September - the biggest month in the buying calendar.

Last month more than 66,000 drivers took delivery of new Fords sporting the "55" number plate. Ford has led the field in the bumper September vehicle registrations month every year of the new look bi-annual vehicle number plate first seen in September 2001.

In the first nine months of 2005 Ford sold over 282,700 cars, sealing 14.3 per cent of the market. The new Ford Focus, Britain's best seller, continues its runaway success with 117,033 models registered this year so far.

In the retail sector, reflecting purchases by private buyers only, Ford Fiesta is the top seller. Ford has an 11.4 per cent hold on this all-important market in 2005 - more than three percentage points ahead of its nearest competitor.

Diesel sales are booming for Ford. The blue oval's diesel car sales have shot up by almost 250 per cent in four years. Ford Mondeo remains Britain's most popular diesel car.

Transit retains the crown of the commercial vehicle market in this year, its 40th anniversary. Ford has a hold of more than 30 per cent of the medium CV market dominated by Transit. The total number of commercial vehicles sold by Ford year-to-date is just under 70,000.

Morten Hannesbo, Ford of Britain sales director, said: "Ford's position as market leader is always crucially important to us but never more so than during the busy sales month of September. I'm delighted Ford is up where it belongs and anticipate greater success in the remainder of the year when our stunning Focus ST arrives in Britain."