Ford Out In Front Of March Sales Race

Ford of Britain galloped to victory in the March car sales chase - crossing the line more than 9,000 units ahead of its nearest rival. All eyes are on results from March, when the new '05' plate debuted, as the largest market of the year.

For Ford a total of 64,453 car sales secured a 14.6 per cent share of the March market and propelled the blue oval further ahead as the UK's top selling brand. Other Ford highlights according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Number one in retail new car (non fleet) sales with a 12.6 per cent share yearto date. Volume of 47,313 units topped the sector by a 50 per cent margin.
• More Focus cars carry new '05' plate than any other model on the road. Focus is also Britain's best selling car year to date.
• Company car drivers favour Focus too, making the car their number one choice.
• More than one in four of all '05'-plated commercial vehicles is a Ford
• Ford sold more than three and a half times the medium commercial vehicles as second-placed manufacturer last month

The Ford Focus retains the title of Britain's favourite car as more drivers get behind the wheel of the all-new Focus, which went on sale earlier this year. Almost 20 per cent more Focus models were sold in March 2005 compared with a year ago (27,750 this year versus 23,190 in 2004). Focus sales are expected to rise still further once the new four-door saloon model joins the range next month.

Paul Thomas, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "Ford pays the most attention to what private motorists like and the cars they choose to drive. Our success in this sector proves that Ford offers a winning formula. Leading the market in such a busy sales month and with new Focus occupying the number one spot shows we're looking forward to another year of success."