Ford ‘57′ Plate Sales Set To Boost Retail Share

Ford ‘57′ Plate Sales Set To Boost Retail Share

More private buyers will be driving new Ford vehicles sporting the latest ‘57′ number plate as the brand continues to grow its business in the retail sector.

Industry figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that Ford’s blue oval-badged vehicles are an increasingly popular retail choice. Ford’s vehicle range has registered a 5.5 per cent increase in retail sales, which are cars and commercial vehicles purchased by private customers, rather than company fleets.

So far this year UK market leader Ford has sold over 95,110 vehicles to retail customers, compared with 90,110 at the same point last year. Overall Ford has 16.2 per cent of Britain’s car and commercial vehicle market – up on last year – accounting for every sixth vehicle on UK roads.

The all-new Ford Mondeo on sale this summer and S-MAX – Car of the Year 2007 – have driven the retail sales growth. Almost 5,500 new Mondeos have been registered in Britain to date, with orders taken for a further 10,000.

Ford’s stylish and sporty seven-seater S-MAX, launched last year, is providing the first indication of strong residual values. A one-year-old Ford S-MAX Zetec 1.8 TDCi retains over 81 per cent of its new value after 12,000 miles, industry experts report.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “Ford’s vehicle range is the strongest it has been for decades. This is keeping our showrooms busy during ‘57′ plate launch month, when we also reveal the latest Ford Focus range and new Kuga crossover vehicle at the Frankfurt motor show.”

Read the complete Press Release