OFFICIAL figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry confirm that Ford regained the No.1 sales position in 2008, beating Toyota and VW for sales of new cars and vans in Ireland.
The blue oval increased its share of the overall market to 13.7 per cent with 25,392 units sold. The overall vehicle market itself fell by 22 per cent to 185,492, the lowest level for five years.
The car market dropped 19.3 per cent (151,624) to its lowest level since 2003. Ford was the only one of the top five distributors to increase its car share (from 11.3 per cent to 12.6 per cent).
“The Ford range is ideally suited to the new market conditions we encountered in 2008,” said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. “The change to a CO2-based car tax last year benefited the Ford line up. In addition, with the economic downturn, our line up is best positioned for motorists looking to either downsize or to ensure they are buying a reliable car that represents real value.”
The Ford Focus maintained the position it has held now for seven years, as Ireland’s best-selling nameplate, with sales of over 7,000 units, ahead of the Toyota Corolla.
In third spot was the Ford Mondeo, the country’s best-selling family car, with 6,737 units, followed by the VW Golf. The Ford Galaxy MPV completed a hat-trick of segment wins for the blue oval.
“We are looking to new Fiesta and Ka to add to these individual model successes in 2009,” continued Eddie Murphy. “They are a cause for confidence at Ford as we face into what will be a demanding year.”
Among commercials, the Ford Transit was again the clear No.1 seller, with 13.2 per cent (3,959 units) share of the Light Commercial Vehicle market (29,917).
Test drive this latest Ford at main dealers Lyons of Limerick, Ballysimon Road; Sheils on the Ennis Road; Cavanagh’s of Charleville and Dan Dooley, Tipperary and Knocklong are agents.
