Ford ’s overall sales in Europe continued to outpace industry growth in the first quarter of 2015 and they have become the European industry’s top commercial vehicle seller.
In total, Ford sold 335,100 vehicles in its 20 traditional European markets in the first three months of 2015 - a year-over-year increase of 12.5 percent, closing Ford’s best first quarter sales performance since 2011. Ford continued to outpace industry growth which was 9 percent year-to-date.
Ford’s total vehicle market share reflected its successful new model introductions as it rose by 0.2 percentage points to 8.2 percent year to date, strengthening Ford’s position as Europe’s No.2 best-selling total vehicle brand. Ford also recorded its best first quarter for passenger car sales since 2012, with 264,440 sold year to date, an increase of 6.5 percent.
Ford’s improvement was powered by strong demand for new models like the Mondeo and Transit vehicle lines, performance cars such as the new Focus ST and Focus ST diesel, as well as improved sales of the Kuga and EcoSport SUVs.
Ford also continued to improve its sales mix in healthier channels in the first quarter, outperforming the industry once again. Retail and fleet sales accounted for 73 percent of Ford’s passenger car sales in the first quarter, 4 percentage points better than industry. Ford’s retail market share was 8.6 percent in the first quarter, up 0.3 percentage points.
The company is preparing to launch the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, the all-new S-MAX and Galaxy models, and the new Ford Vignale Mondeo in the coming weeks.
This summer, Ford will begin selling the all-new Mustang fastback and convertible in Europe for the first time in the iconic car’s 50 year history. Near the end of the year, Ford will begin producing the Edge SUV and Focus RS performance hatch.
