Ford sales in Europe up 7.5% in first half of 2016

(July 20, 2016) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford posted its best first half for total vehicle sales and passenger car sales since 2010 and best commercial vehicle sales since 1993 in its 20 traditional European markets. Ford total vehicle sales in the Euro 20 rose 7.5 percent to 718,700 vehicles in the first half, which equalled a market share of 7.9 percent.

Including Russia and Turkey, Ford sales rose 7.2% to 792,800 vehicles in the first six months. Across all of 50 European markets, Ford vehicles sales increased by 7.1% to 807,500 vehicles in the first half of the year. Market share was flat at 7.7 percent for the first six months of the year.

Key to Ford of Europe’s first half was a strong performance in the private retail segment, success in selling higher-end vehicles and continued commercial vehicle leadership.

“Customers across Europe are buying nicer Fords — from performance heroes like Mustang and Focus RS, to our new flagship Edge SUV, to more upscale Titanium and Vignale versions of our mainstream vehicles,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “Just as importantly, we have become Europe’s commercial vehicle leader with our Transit and Ranger line-up.”

Ford sales in higher value sales channels improved in the first half of 2016, with retail and fleet sales accounting for 74 percent of Ford car sales, 3 percentage points up on last year and 5 percentage points better than the industry average.

Ford was Europe’s No. 1 commercial vehicle brand in the first six months of the year in both its European 20 traditional markets, and in its Europe 22 market group which further includes Turkey and Russia.

Ford commercial vehicle sales in the first half of 2016 rose 17 percent to 162,500 vehicles, and market share was up by 0.6 percentage points to 13 percent on increased demand for the expanded Transit range and the Ranger pickup. In June, Ford’s CV sales volume was up 18 percent at 29,900 vehicles with a market share of 12.5 percent, up 0.8 percentage points. Sales of the Ranger pickup increased by 39 percent in the first half to record its best since it was launched in in 1998.

Transit sales rose 20 percent year-over-year, and retained its position as the No.1 selling nameplate in the combined 1-tonne and 2-tonne CV through to the end of May, the latest data period available.

Kuga had its best-ever first half sales with 63,100 vehicles sold — a 22 percent increase on the same period last year. To date, about 4,600 European customers have ordered a Ford Edge prior to the SUV arriving at their local Ford dealerships this summer. In the compact SUV segment, EcoSport sales rose 64 percent to 30,100 vehicles in the first six months of 2016.

Combined sales of Ford’s performance line-up — Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus ST diesel, Focus RS and Mustang — doubled in June and increased by 116 percent year-to-date.

“The second half will be another exciting product story for Ford of Europe,” de Waard said.  “With the Edge coming out now, the updated Transit vans with our all-new EcoBlue engine and the new ST-Line, we will continue to surprise customers.  We are also excited about the KA+, an entry-priced small car that offers outstanding interior space, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics at an affordable price.”