Ford extended its leadership of the UK's car and CV markets in May, creating the perfect platform for the launch of the eagerly anticipated new Ford Mondeo.

Ford total car sales year-to-date are now almost 19,400 units ahead of its nearest competitor. The blue oval's car and commercial vehicle line-up is extending the company's market leadership of 30 years as top car brand and 41 years with the best-selling commercial vehicles.

The all-new Ford Mondeo, on sale from this month, is set to continue the car's leading position as the UK's top-selling large car (non-premium). Figures out from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirm that almost 22,000 customers bought a Ford Mondeo in the first five months of the year.

The striking new design of the new Ford Mondeo, together with its hi-tech and affordable features – many new to Ford and to the large car segment – are attracting early interest from numerous new customers.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "With our new flagship vehicle ready for launch, we are confident that the second half of the year will be really exciting – for ourselves, dealers and customers who are already filling up our order book."

Ford highlights according to the SMMT include:

* Ford takes more than its share of an increased 2007 to date car market, which includes 162,780 blue oval registrations
* After adding in commercial vehicles, Ford boasts a 16.8 per cent share of UK's total 2007 vehicle market – half a percentage point up on same time last year
* Continued proof from the Ford Ka that its 12-year-old formula remains ahead of other city cars, with 20 per cent segment share and Jan-May sales almost 4,775 cars in front of nearest competitor
* Over 10,700 registrations of Ford Focus ST since the performance car's early 2006 launch. Sold in three specifications, a huge 96.6 per cent of Ford Focus ST buyers opted for high series ST-2 and ST-3 models
* Combined sales of European Car of the Year Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy drove a 21 per cent increase in May's Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) market. So far this year 10,500 of the two Ford MPVs have been registered – four times Ford's MPV total for Jan-May 2006
* Five per cent rise in demand for Ford medium commercial vehicles, including European Van of the Year Ford Transit
* Ford Fiesta Van up versus 2006 year-to-date.


Source: Ford Motor Company