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Array Of Class Leading Finishes

Published: Wed 4 Jul 2001 11:42 AM
Ford New Zealand Claims Top Spots With Array Of Class Leading Finishes
Following buoyant sales in April and May, Ford New Zealand has continued its run of impressive results with a strong June performance that saw the motor company finish with a number of class leading results.
Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) figures show Ford achieved a 16.5% share of the industry reported sales for June, which accounted for an overall year to date share of 15.8%. This compares favorably against the same time last year, when Ford had a 14.7% share of total industry.
"The June figure was well supported by a number of brands which achieved segment leadership, including the Ford Mondeo, Escape Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), and also established favourites, the Falcon Ute and Courier 4x2," said Ford New Zealand Marketing Manager Steve Pleciak.
"We are especially pleased with the reception that has greeted the new Mondeo following its recent official public launch. It has established itself as the number one seller in the C/D class for June, and it continues to impress with the sales that it is capable of generating."
Feedback from the media and motoring public continues to be extremely positive, and orders for all derivatives of the new Mondeo remains strong for months ahead.
Another recent Ford release that has maintained levels of positive feedback, as well as steady sales, is the Escape SUV. The Escape has already secured a loyal following from people wanting to experience the freedom and versatility offered by the four wheel drive vehicle and its 'No Boundaries' association, and thus have ensconced it as the runaway leader in the small SUV segment for the second quarter.
The XR Falcon range maintains a strong prominence amongst total Falcon sales, which is reflected by an impressive mid-year sales snap shot.
"Almost one in three Falcon sales this year are from the XR range, and sales are up by more than 200 units over the same time last year. This achievement was helped by the fact that May was a record month for sales of XR6 since launch in 1991, and in June we backed up this performance with another strong result."
Ford's dominance of the total Utility market continued throughout June, which was buoyed by results achieved by Falcon Ute and Courier 4x2.
Both the Falcon Ute and Courier 4x2 maintained leadership for the month and also year to date, and continue to dominate their respective segments.
Limited edition utes, such as the Pursuit and Marlin, have strengthened Ford's performance in this segment.
"Customers appreciate the convenience of being able to purchase a well specified vehicle at an attractive price, and know that it is going to perform for them as well as look great," said Mr. Pleciak.
LTSA figures indicate that Ford is over 100 units ahead of its nearest rival in the total utility market.
"I am particularly pleased that we achieved such a strong showing across key brands, such as Mondeo, Falcon, 4x2 Courier and Escape," he said.
"To maintain segment leadership in the respective classes of the above vehicles demonstrates that we have a well balanced and varied range of vehicles available for the motoring public."
Currently, only 55 units separate the top three motor companies. With these results in mind, and half the year gone, Ford New Zealand is well placed to be a strong competitor for the number one spot in the industry come year-end.
Ends

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