(January 17, 2016) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford Motor Company sales in Europe increased 11 percent in 2015, and the company became Europe’s No.1 commercial vehicle brand last year for the first time in 18 years.

Ford sold a total of 1.3 million vehicles in its 20 traditional European markets last year. Ford’s market share increased by 0.1 percentage point in 2015 to 8.0 percent, marking Ford’s second straight year of share growth in Europe. Across all 50 European markets, Ford sold 1.5 million units, up 10 percent, driving Ford’s market share up by 0.5 percentage points to 7.7 percent.

“In 2015, we showed our customers a more emotional, vibrant and upmarket vision of Ford with cars like the new Mustang and Mondeo Vignale, and we’re poised for an exciting 2016 with vehicles such as the all-new Edge SUV and RS Focus performance car,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“We’re especially proud that our commercial vehicle customers have made Ford Europe’s No.1 CV brand. We’ll continue to grow and serve customers in 2016, including offering our top-selling Transit and Transit Custom with an all new powertrain and new technology.”

Ford’s commercial vehicle sales grew 23 percent last year on growing demand for the new and expanded Transit range and the Ranger pickup. Market share rose by 1.2 percentage points to an industry-leading 12.6 percent.

For both total vehicle and passenger car sales, 2015 was the best year since 2011. For commercial vehicle sales, it was the best year since 2007.