9:47 am, April 6, 2018
FORD recorded its all-time best month for commercial vehicle (CV) sales in March 2018, according to the latest SMMT figures.
The American manufacturer achieved a record high of 21,870 CV registrations, helping make up a total vehicle sales figure of 71,555.
Last month, Ford models accounted for 13.4 per cent of new vehicle sales, placing the marque five per cent ahead of its nearest rival. In the CV market meanwhile, the brand took a 34.3 per cent share.
The Ford Fiesta was March’s best-selling car, while the Transit Custom and Transit took first and second place respectively in CV sales.
In addition, the Fiesta, Galaxy, Transit Courier, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit and Ranger all took the lead in their respective segments.
The news gives Ford reason to celebrate, as March saw new car sales drop 15.7 per cent in total, with industry leaders blaming various factors, such as vehicle excise duty, the weather, the demonisation of diesel and Brexit.
Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain, commented: ‘Our retail share continues to grow, underlining the success of our model range, in particular the exciting all-new Fiesta.
‘We also achieved our highest monthly CV sales on record, further strengthening our leadership position. It’s an exciting time, as we begin the launch of our new CV range, starting with Transit Custom and, later this month, the unveil of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier at the CV show.
‘We have also extended our highly successful scrappage scheme, which continues to help customers make the transition into cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles with the latest technologies and safety features.’
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