Ford Corrects Release “Ford In Front”

Ford Corrects Release “Ford In Front”

Ford New Zealand, buoyed by segment topping BA Falcon and Mondeo sales plus a strong first retail month of the world renowned Focus, maintained its position at the top of the sales ladder for the month of May.

Ford recorder 1441 registrations for the month, some 18 units ahead of its nearest rival.

When compared with the same time last year Ford has increased its total industry share two full percentage points (from 15.8% to 17.8%), but more importantly, the result also means that Ford increased its overall lead for the year to date to 235 registrations.

"This result is attributable to our strong lineup, where we currently have a stable of 14 nameplates available for passenger, commercial and recreational purposes," said Marketing Manager, Graeme Whickman.

"The new BA Falcon, Mondeo and Courier have made noticeable contributions to our success on a monthly basis, and indications are that this trend will continue."

Highlights for the month included the BA Falcon outselling its archrival, the Holden Commodore, while the Mondeo achieved similar success over competitors in its segment.

"The Mondeo has recently been in a battle of sorts with new entrants in the C/D segment, but it has reclaimed leadership of the segment for the month. We are naturally very happy with this result, and believe that it is consumer recognition of what an exceptional package the Mondeo is," said Mr. Whickman.

On debut, Focus sales registered over 200 units, which was an impressive start in a busy segment and saw almost all of the available stock in New Zealand being retailed.

Commercial vehicles also featured prominently in the month end sales result, and accounted for 22% of total sales. The Courier 4X2 continued its reign as segment leader, and there were also a considerable number of sales of the BA Falcon six-cylinder ute.

"June is also special for the Ford Motor Company, as we celebrate our centennial mid-month," said Mr. Whickman.

"There will be a number of celebrations around the country, not least of which will be here at Head Office on Sunday the 15th of June. There will be a Ford Centennial Car Display commencing at midday and finishing at 3pm, and then later that evening, we are participating in a world-first promotion."

"The 'Drive a Ford, Win a Focus' event will see one lucky Ford driver take home a brand new Focus, simply for driving a Ford to Head Office, catching one of 50 numbered rugby balls and then competing in a prize draw."

"The competition itself will be drawn at 12.01am on Monday June 16, making it the first Ford promotion anywhere in the world in the new Ford century."

For more information contact Edward Finn, Ford New Zealand Media Relations Ph. (09) 277 8556, Fax (09) 277 5055, Mob (0274) 997 761, efinn@ford.com

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