FORD'S APRIL SALES LIFT SHARE FURTHER

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Ford's share of last month's car market increased by 3.9 percentage points, compared with April 2008, providing the blue oval brand with a market-leading 18.4 per cent of registrations according to industry figures.

In an April UK car market where overall industry demand decreased by 24 per cent, the popularity of the Ford model range limited the impact on the company to a 3.6 per cent drop in registrations, year on year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that 28,314 Ford cars and commercial vehicles were registered last month, compared with 32,176 in April 2008.

The total included 8,395 new Ford Fiestas – 37.2 per cent more than were sold in April 2008. More Ford Focus models were also registered compared with 12 months ago, making it April's top seller. The second-placed Ford Fiesta remains the UK's best selling car year to date.

In the UK's April car market, 24,579 buyers chose Fords, making a total of 107,000 Ford registrations in the first four months of the year. This is a 21,342-unit lead over Ford's nearest rival compared to a margin of just 12,507 cars at the same time last year.

The continuing popularity of the new Ford Fiesta, the Focus and Kuga contributed to Ford's growing share of the car retail market, now at 13.3 per cent and 2.8 percentage points up versus April 2008.

These popular cars, along with the company's stylish large car range, are attracting corporate business in increasing numbers. Ford beat the recession last month by returning figures for fleet sales at near 2008 levels. Fleet registrations were 16,457 units last month versus 16,800 in April 2008.

Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "Ford's rising share in April has been achieved in the most challenging conditions of weaker industry demand and an unfavourable exchange rate. It is an encouraging platform from which to launch our exciting marketing offers, aimed at helping customers to get maximum benefit from the Government's new vehicle scrappage scheme. Ford has taken the position expected of a market leader by announcing attractive supplementary offers to help motorists afford safer, greener and more efficient new vehicles."