Ford's Fiesta Crazy Year

Following a very troubled 2009, there are very few manufacturers (and fewer models) out there who can say they are pleased with how the numbers look. On the other hand, there is one manufacturer and one model who do have reasons to celebrate: Ford and its Fiesta.

2009 brought the American carmaker and the still-in-the-process-of-being-launched model big sales and its fair share of awards.
In Europe, the Fiesta managed to get 26 awards, with the latest being the Romanian Car of the Year 2009.

It received praises from Australia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Indonesia, Slovenia, Spain, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Catalonia. In China alone, 44 accolades went to the Fiesta.

"We are extremely proud of the latest Fiesta model both in terms of what it has achieved and what it represents," John Fleming, Ford Europe CEO said in a release. "The Fiesta is one of the vehicles that is key to how Ford Motor Company is transforming itself globally. We're delighted that so many car buyers have chosen it, and that so many opinion formers have acknowledged its many strengths."

Accolades, awards and prizes aside, the Fiesta managed to impress with its sales figures, as it came in second as best-selling car overall and finished first, as the top seller in its segment year-to-date.

"With the Ford Fiesta continuing its global rollout in North America in early 2010, we hope it is only a matter of time before our best-selling car adds to its impressive collection of accolades," Fleming added.