The best-selling model range in the world during 2012 was Ford’s Focus, and according to the latest market research from data analytics company Polk, the Focus range remains on track to repeat the feat, having been the best-selling vehicle range within Q1 2013.

Polk’s latest global registration data has shown that 288 724 Focus vehicles were registered in the quarter that ended on 31 March, which is the most recent worldwide figures available. During Q1 2013, global vehicle registrations increased by 18% year-on-year.

Sales growth in key markets

The sales boost for the Focus series were helped along by strong demand in key markets the likes of the UK (25 081), Brazil (7227, an increase of 18%) and mainland China (104 065, up 153% year-on-year).

On the local market, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa experienced an excellent sales month during July 2013, with sales up 33% year-on-year. Local buyers snapped up the Ford Figo (1313; 5th best-selling passenger in SA), plus our top pick when it comes to double-cab bakkies - the Ford Ranger (1876; 2nd best-selling light commercial vehicle).      

Ford is aiming to keep the sales momentum with the introduction of an all-new Focus Electric within Europe. The cherry on top of the Focus range is the series topping flagship - the 184 kW Focus ST - which was launched in South Africa last year and will be introduced in the Asia Pacific regions this year.

The Blue Ovals ramps up its Focus production capacity

In order to meet growing customer demand for Focus, Ford stated that it has ramped up production capacity worldwide. In July, the US car maker’s plant in Pacheco, Argentina, became the latest to produce Focus on a global platform. The Focus model range is now built in nine plants on four continents.

Ford’s factories in Germany, Stateside, Russia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan as well as Argentina have a combined capacity to produce more than 1.5 million Focus vehicles annually at a rate of more than two vehicles per minute.

“The statistics speak for themselves,” said Roelant de Waard, VP of marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe. “Our global Focus has struck a chord with customers around the world because it offers remarkable technologies, excellent fuel economy and performance, super driving dynamics and all at a very competitive price.”

De Waard added that, “Continual development has been critical to the Focus’ global success, as demonstrated by the new Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost with 99 g/km CO₂ that will launch in Europe early next year. More powerful than a first generation Ford Focus with a 1.6‑litre engine from less than 10 years ago while producing 47% less CO₂, it’s a testament to Focus development never standing still.”

In other motoring related news, Renault South Africa recently revealed that its new Duster sports utility vehicle (SUV) will be hitting local streets and showrooms on 16 September.