BRENTWOOD, England – Ford of Britain car sales increased by 10 per cent in October, compared with the same month last year.
The increase was led by the award-winning Fiesta which has sold more than 100,000 units so far this year.
Fiesta was the UK's top seller in October – the eighth time the model has topped the monthly sales charts this year. Focus was second to Fiesta for the year and increased sales in October 2009 compared with the same month in 2008.
Market leader Ford continues to make progress, raising its share of the car market to 16.2 per cent year-to-date, a 1.3 percentage point increase on the same period in 2008. Ford's share of the total vehicle market, including commercial vehicles, rose to 17 per cent.
Nigel Sharp, Ford Britain managing director, said: "Notching up over 100,000 sales this year is a significant milestone for the Fiesta, and we're delighted. Fiesta exemplifies our fresh and exciting product line-up which, together with an outstanding dealer network, has helped to increase our UK market share."
UK sales are being driven by the country's "cash for bangers" incentive scheme and by buyers wanting to avoid the 2.5% increase in VAT due in January.