Fiesta Parties It Up In Europe

With the mother-in-law in from France, I am reminded once again of the forthcoming Ford Fiesta. Ford's latest press release on the Fiesta crows about its sales performance and given the car's good looks, I believe them...

Ford of Europe increased its market share in February across the company's 19 main markets (Euro 19) by 0.8 percentage points to 8.5 per cent versus the same month last year.

While overall industry Euro 19 sales declined by 20.1 per cent, Ford sales in February were down by 14.2 per cent, or 15,000 units, compared to the same month in 2008.

Ford of Europe sold 91,100 vehicles in its Euro 19 markets in February, including 27,900 new Fiestas, making it the best-selling Ford car again this month, and the second-best selling car in the industry.

Already this year 56,200 Fiestas have been delivered to European customers and since the market launch started in August 2008, sales of new Fiesta have totaled 117,000.

'We're excited, but not surprised, to see the new Fiesta doing so well in the market place given the current economic conditions,' said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.

'There are a number of bright spots for us this month, particularly Germany where Ford sales are up by 21,000 vehicles, or 43.7 per cent, versus last February, thanks in no small part to the scrappage scheme which is proving extremely popular and generating a lot of additional showroom traffic. However the underlying trend we face is still one of an overall sales decline across the industry as a whole. We will continue to do all that it takes to stay competitive and protect the flow of our exciting new products,' he added.

source: Ford