(May 9, 2012) BRENTWOOD, Essex, England — Sales of the Ford Focus reached 1,500,000 in Great Britain this week as Essex batsman Jaik Mickleburgh took delivery of the landmark car — a five-door Titanium X model.

Since launch in 1998, Ford Focus has held the crown of overall sales leader for 10 consecutive years until 2008 when Fiesta took the number one spot.

The all-new Focus, launched last year, has received widespread recognition for its driver assistance technologies and more recently the introduction of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost gas powertrain, which in April — its first full month on sale, accounted for 17 per cent of all Focus sales in the UK.

The 1,500,000th Ford Focus was delivered to 22-year-old Jaik Mickleburgh, a right-handed batsman playing for Essex Cricket first team and who has also played for the England U19s.

Taking the keys to his new Focus Jaik said:  “I have had four Fords in the four years since passing my test — three of them were the latest Focus models and one Kuga.  For the long drives between home, Ford County Ground and away games, the Ford Focus delivers.  One feature I like is heated seats which soothe away aches after playing.”

Ford recently confirmed its ongoing sponsorship of the Essex County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford, called the “Ford County Ground."  Ford is the county's largest private employer with the majority of Ford's 12,000 UK employees based at sales and marketing, manufacturing and research and development facilities in Essex. 

Ford has sponsored Essex County Cricket Club's home ground since 2005.