(October 7, 2012) BRENTWOOD, Essex — Market leader Ford has extended its sales advantage over its nearest rival during the bumper September sales month, and through 2012, with increased car sales and share compared with the same periods in 2011.

Ford car sales for September, when the market is boosted significantly by the registration plate change, increased by 9.3 per cent, compared with September 2011. According to the official figures released on Oct. 4 from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

    • Ford extends car sales lead over nearest rival by 43 per cent in September and by 70 per cent for the year to date
    • Ford car sales and share up in September, compared with September 2011
    • Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller in September and for the year to date
    • Ford Transit, pictured below, and Ford commercial vehicles in 47th consecutive year of market leadership



The official figures released by the SMMT show that total car sales in September were up 8.2 per cent to 359,612 units, compared with September 2011.  For the year to date (end September) total UK car sales were 1,620,609 — up 4.3 per cent compared with 2011.

Ford car sales in September were 47,370, an increase of 4,155 on the 43,215 sold in September 2011. For the year to date Ford car sales again grew faster than the market with registrations of 224,369, up 4.5 per cent compared with the same period in 2011.  Ford total vehicle sales, which include CVs, were 57,818 in September, a rise of 3,685 on the 54,133 sold in September 2011.

Ford Fiesta (pictured at right) sales have been rising steadily through 2012, increasing from 77,198 to 88,747 for the year to date, compared with the same period in 2011, and its car market share is up from 5.0 to 5.5 per cent.  In September alone, Fiesta recorded 18,651 sales and a 5.2 per cent share, up from 15,647 and 4.7 per cent in 2011.

Other strong performers in September, all recording sales increases compared with September 2011, were the Ford Ka, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX. These models, in addition to the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Galaxy, also had increased sales for the year to date, compared with the same period in 2011.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said:  "While UK sales are increasing, in contrast with many European markets, competition is intense, so it is significant that Ford has extended its market lead and beaten overall market growth.

“Ford has benefitted from an uninterrupted flow of new technologies and models, such as the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in Focus, the new Focus ST and the ingenious B-MAX with its unique unimpeded access for front and rear passengers.  Importantly, the announcement of an aggressive product rollout that targets key growth opportunities for Ford, including large cars, sport utility vehicles and commercial vehicles, means that Ford’s product strength is set to continue."

Ford’s ongoing Commercial Vehicle market leadership remains unchallenged with a 23.0 per cent of the total CV market in September and a 22.1 per cent share for the year to date.  This compares with 11.4 and 11.0 per cent, respectively, for the nearest rival.

Ford Transit is in its 47th consecutive year as the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle.  Transit holds 17.6 per cent of the CV market for the year to date compared with 5.6 per cent for its nearest challenger.  In September, Transit accounted for 18.3 per cent of the total CV market.