New Ford Mondeo magic hits retail jackpot

Ford's newest models are catching the attention of increasing numbers of the car buying public, with the all-new Ford Mondeo leading the charge. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show how the Ford range is winning more retail business – and how more buyers are opting for top spec luxury models. Sales of the all-new Mondeo to private customers, as opposed to corporate fleet buyers, are up by over 20 per cent versus this time last year. And more than half of these retail orders are for top-of-the-range models.Since the latest Ford Mondeo went on sale in June, more than 16,500 have been registered and almost 52 per cent of customers have specified top trim levels such as Titanium. This compares with a share of under 35 per cent for equivalent high series Mondeos two years ago. Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "The surge of interest in Ford among private car buyers, triggered by new Mondeo, means our plants are operating at full capacity. "Ford customers are impressed by the new Mondeo's equipment list. They're delighted by high-tech features such as adaptive cruise, which adjusts speed relative to the vehicle in front, active suspension and adaptive front lights which beam around corners. These Ford converts are helping us to hit the retail jackpot this year." The Ford Focus joins Mondeo as another high performing retail favourite. Ford Focus volumes destined for private buyers are up more than seven per cent compared with last year. Ford's Multi Purpose Vehicle range of Galaxy and S-MAX continue to enjoy soaring retail registrations – doubling since October 2006. In total this year 306,054 cars and 80,789 commercial vehicles have been registered by Ford – almost 6,500 more than last year. Demand for the UK-built Ford Transit, making up the majority of the company's CV sales, has led to extra production at the Southampton assembly plant.