Ford sales in Europe rise

Ford Motor Company leveraged newly introduced vehicles and strong momentum in Russia and Turkey to increase overall sales in 2011 in its 51 European markets despite the economic headwinds that buffeted the region.

Ford sales across its total 51 European markets in 2011 increased by 2.4 per cent, or 36,700 units, to 1.58 million vehicles. Ford’s performance was buoyed by continuing strong sales of the Fiesta, which was Ford’s top-selling car in Europe, as well as rising demand for the all-new Focus and C-MAX.

“Despite the serious economic challenges we all faced in the region, 2011 was an exciting year for the Ford brand in Europe,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “We made a commitment to relentlessly deliver new products and technologies even in the toughest of times and it’s paying off.

“This year will be one of the busiest years for new model launches in Ford of Europe’s history with more than 10 new or refreshed vehicles – such as the new B-MAX and Kuga – hitting showrooms along with all-new powertrains and technologies like Ford SYNC,” Mr Odell added. In its traditional 19 Western European markets, Ford was the number two best-selling car brand for the fourth consecutive year with 8.3 per cent market share. Ford was the UK’s best-selling car and commercial vehicle brand in 2011 for the 35th and 46th consecutive years, respectively.

Ford also was the No. 1 brand in Hungary and Turkey, and top-imported brand in Italy and the Czech Republic.

Ford’s market share in Germany rose to 7.4 per cent in 2011, up from 6.9 per cent in 2010. Ford sales in Germany increased by 18 per cent in 2011, including a 28 per cent gain in December.

Italy was Ford’s No. 3 European sales market in 2011, with new vehicle registrations of 155,400. Russia was Ford’s fifth-largest market by sales volume in 2011, with total vehicle registrations of 118,000, up 30.9 per cent or 27,800 units versus the full year 2010. Last year was the best sales year for Ford in Russia since 2007.

Eastern Europe continues to be another growth market for Ford, with sales volumes growing by 19.1 per cent in 2011.