FORD has extended its UK market leadership with increased car sales and share for the first six months of the year, compared with the same period in 2011.
The company’s car sales were up 3.6 per cent for the first half of 2012, while the market as a whole was up 2.7 per cent, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Topping the pile is the Ford Fiesta as both best seller for June and for the year to date, while Ford’s medium commercial vehicles have also shown an increase.
SMMT official figures show that up to the end of June, total UK car sales were 1,057,680, which is up 2.7 per cent compared with 2011, while Ford’s sales for this period were 149,681, up 3.6 per cent.
Along with the Fiesta, Ford’s C-MAX, Mondeo and Galaxy all secured sales and share increases last month, while for the year to date Focus, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy have recorded sales increases.
Ford’s combined sales in the UK light commercial vehicle and medium commercial vehicle segments were up 4.0 per cent in June, increasing to 6,362 from 6,118 in June 2011.
Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "Competition is more intense than ever in the UK market so I am delighted that we have succeeded in increasing our car sales and share through the first six months of 2012.
“Our best-ever product range is a key contributor to our strengthened leadership position and with the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in Focus and the new Focus ST now launched, we are keenly anticipating the new B-MAX and Transit, due later this year."