Ford of Europe's business momentum continued with another strong sales month in April.

"Our sales volume grew in 14 of the Euro 19 markets, while our market share increased in 16 of those 19," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.

"These increases were achieved even after we had taken the strategic decision in some countries, particularly the UK and Germany, to limit our short-cycle business. In the UK, for example, this switch in emphasis has led to an increase in the number of vehicles sold to private retail buyers.

"It is particularly pleasing to note our performances in France and Germany where sales were up 27 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. Although driven in part by an industry recovery following last year's increase in VAT in Germany and CO2 incentives introduced in France, there was visible progress in our performance in these two key markets. And Ford leads the market in Spain after the first four months of the year – a first for us in that country," he added.

Ford sales in the Euro 19 countries were up by 6.4 per cent to 129,500 giving a market share of 8.1 per cent.

When sales in Russia, Turkey and the 30 Ford European Direct Markets are added, Ford of Europe's sales for April totalled 161,140, an increase of 8 per cent over the same month last year.

Ford's success in Russia continued with sales rising 17 per cent to 18,200 – a record month. Sales in Turkey also improved, by 7.8 per cent to 6,900, giving a market- leading share of 14.4 per cent.

The new Focus was Ford of Europe's top-selling model in April (33,100) across the Euro 19 markets, followed by the Fiesta (26,900). Sales of the new Mondeo increased further to 14,800.

April was a record month for commercial vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, with sales increasing by 1,900 to 23,500. This record was primarily driven by the Ford Transit, with over 15,600 units sold.

In the first four months of this year, Ford of Europe has sold 550,700 vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, giving a market share of 8.7 per cent, up by 0.1 per cent versus the same period last year. Sales in Russia, Turkey and Ford's European Direct Markets added a further 112,000 units, taking the total to 662,700 an increase of three per cent compared with last year.

"The new Ford Kuga which goes on sale next month will further strengthen the sales appeal of the blue oval, particularly as it benefits from the lowest CO2 emissions in the expanding compact 4x4 segment", said Ingvar Sviggum.