Ford Extends Lead Over UK Market in July

The British have adopted Ford and love it as their own, and this is clearly illustrated by the fact that the American carmaker has increased is sales lead in the UK in July and the year to date in each sector in which it competes – cars, light commercials (LCVs) and medium commercials (MCVs) – compared with July 2010.

Ford’s share of the vehicle market in Britain was up to 15.5 percent for the month. With deliveries in full swing, the Focus closed on the Ford Fiesta at the top of the July car sales chart as they once again held the first and second spots both for the month and for the year to date.  Ford Transit continues as the best-selling commercial vehicle in the UK.

"Ford's best ever vehicle range demonstrated the breadth of its appeal by helping the company to increase share in all the key market sectors in July.  Our latest addition, the new Ford Focus Studio, priced at under £14,000, will help us maintain this momentum as we and our dealers gear-up for the September sales rush," said Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director.

The official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that total UK car sales in July, compared with July 2010, were down 3.5 per cent to 131,634 units. However, Ford’s results were only decreasing at a pace of 1.1 percent last month.

Ford Focus sales in July were 6,235, up from 4,208 in July 2010, and its share increased from 3.1 per cent in July 2010 to 4.7 per cent last month.  Ford Fiesta sales in July were 6,695, identical to July 2010, and share was 5.1 per cent, up from 4.9 per cent last year.

Meanwhile, in the commercial vehicle market, sales increased in July to 5,436 from 5,242 last year. The Fiesta van and Transit lead the way with both reporting increases both in market share and units delivered.