Ford China sold 31,934 vehicles in February, an 11-percent increase compared to the same month last year. The company’s sales in China were up 16 percent compared to the January-February period in 2010, with a total of 85,274 vehicles sold.

In India, sales nearly tripled in February with 9,293 units sold – a 188-percent increase year-on-year. Continuing the trend in Australia, Ford outpaced the rest of the industry with an 18.5-percent increase in month-on-month sales, and 6.3-percent increase year-on-year.

Overall sales for the ASEAN region were also up sharply in February versus a year ago, rising 146 percent for the month to nearly 5,500 units, largely driven by continuing strength of demand for the all-new Fiesta.

Little Fiesta continues to dominate

Ford Thailand reported the highest rate of growth in the region, with February sales up 257 percent from the same month last year to 2,214 units, more than half of which being the popular Fiesta.

In Indonesia, the Fiesta bagged another award in February – a 2011 AutoCar Reader’s Choice Award – and continued to lead the charge of Ford Indonesia’s by helping drive overall sales up 135-percent compared to the same month last year.

In the Philippines, Fiesta was the industry’s best-selling hatchback during the month of February, helping Ford Philippines’ overall monthly sales jump 76 percent over a year ago.

“We continue to surpass many of our expectations with Fiesta, which is helping us record some terrific year-over-year gains and individual market successes – and we are determined to continue building on this momentum as the year progresses,” said Peter Fleet, president of Ford ASEAN.

The all-new Fiesta also continued to be an attractive package for Chinese consumers, who purchased 4,570 units in February.

One year on, the Figo is more popular than ever

India’s impressive numbers were driven by continued demand for Figo, one of the fastest selling cars in Indian automotive history. Figo, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, has sold more than 76,000 units since its launch.

"The phenomenal Figo has taken Ford to a new level in India," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.

Figo is also among the industry’s top-10 sales performers in South Africa, where Ford was bolstered by yet another top-three passenger car sales performance in February.

Focus leading the pack in China, Taiwan

Ford’s February sales in China were led by Focus, with 12,627 units sold – an increase of 22 percent year-on-year. Demand for Focus, as well as Mondeo, also remained high in Taiwan, where Ford Lio Ho reported sales growth of 65 percent for the first two months of 2011 compared to the same period last year.

Further south, Focus contributed to a successful month for Ford Vietnam, where overall sales were up 140 percent compared to February 2010.

With sales increases across the board, and the right vehicle lineup in place, 2011 is shaping up to be a memorable year for Ford in APA.