(April 2, 2011) OAKVILLE, Ont. — Ford Motor Company of Canada saw sales increase 16 per cent compared to last March, and claims top spot for the first quarter with year-to-date sales up 9 per cent. Strong demand for fuel efficient vehicles drove Ford car sales up 31% in March with Fiesta delivering its best month since launch.

"Our first quarter results prove that the Ford plan is working. We gained market share the old fashion way by listening to customers and delivering great products they want and value," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada.

"We knew that as fuel prices rose, consumers would shift their spending to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles and with 11 vehicles delivering best in class fuel economy, Ford is well-positioned to meet the demands of Canadian consumers by delivering leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety and advanced communications tools like SYNC."

Not only are consumers rewarding Ford for a strong product lineup, third parties have also recognized the quality of the vehicles. Just recently, Lincoln received the highest score for long-term durability among all vehicle brands in the annual J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

Sales across the Lincoln portfolio increased 38 per cent compared to the same period last year.

March 31st also marked the end of Ford's Recycle Your Ride program where eligible consumers could receive up to $2,300 towards the purchase or lease of most new Ford or Lincoln vehicle. Through this program, Ford recycled more than 50,000 vehicles — more than any other manufacturer — and helped to eliminate approximately 474.308 metric tons of smog forming emissions from being released into the atmosphere.

"We have been forecasting higher demand for fuel efficient vehicles for some time now and this month marks the start of a new trend in Canada with consumers choosing a more balanced mix of cars," said Mondragon. "Ford is well-positioned to take advantage of this emerging trend by offering some of the most fuel efficient vehicles in the industry."