New Mondeo gives Ford a January lift

[MKII]

12 February 2008 | Source: just-auto.com editorial team

 

Led by the redesigned Mondeo, Ford of Europe boosted sales 1.5% in its main 21 markets last month to 142,460, posting market share of 9.0%.

 

The C-segment Focus remained Ford's top-selling model, selling over 37,100 units, but sales of the new D-segment Mondeo rose over 50% to 16,800. The Fiesta - soon to be replaced - sold 29,380 units and C-Max sales increased to 10,400.

 

In the commercial_vehicle range, the Transit increased to 17,100 and the Transit Connect, which is to go on sale in the United States in mid-2009, sold 7,100 units. Sales of the Thai-built, Mazda-designed Ranger pickup rose more than 60% to 1,950.

 

Britain was the company's top market with sales of 33,230 and market share of 17.6%.

 

The largest volume increase was in Turkey, where sales rose almost 45% to 5,160, for a market leading 17.7% share, Ford's highest in Europe.

 

Elsewhere in Europe, Italy sold 22,400 units and Germany 13,510. Spain increased 12.9% to 13,030 and France improved 18.1% to 12,540.

 

"While 2008 is forecast to be a challenging year for the European industry, we expect our sales momentum to continue," said sales and marketing chief Stephen Odell. "Our confidence is based on the strength of our current range and on the exciting new products we plan to introduce in 2008."

 

Ford is due to launch its Kuga crossover and a Fiesta replacement, likely to be called Verve after a concept shown earlier. That model, in sedan form, is also destined for the US.