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Strong Continuing Sales Help Key Nameplates Increase Market Share

Ford Group Philippines (FGP) reported October sales of Ford vehicles that rose more than 10 percent from September, powered by strong sales of the Ford Escape and Ford Everest that increased by 43 and 28 percent, respectively.

The increased Ford vehicle sales in October continued a strong upward trend during the past five months (June-October), with overall sales rising 25 percent, or by 559 units, compared to the same period last year. The Ford Everest achieved the biggest jump in year-over-year sales during this five-month period, increasing 42 percent, followed by Ford Escape (19%), Ford Ranger (8%), and Ford Focus (4%).

"Our completely refreshed Ford lineup has really gained momentum this year, particularly during the past five months, with the Ford Everest, Escape and Ranger continuing to drive growth for the brand and our dealers,” explained Steven Tan, FGP vice president for Sales and Marketing. “We're confident that strong demand from Filipino customers for our full lineup of world-class Ford vehicles will continue through the end of the year."

In October, the 2010 Ford Escape became the ninth new Ford vehicle added to FGP’s portfolio over the previous 12 months, making the company’s vehicle lineup among the freshest in the industry. Previous introductions include the Ford Focus, 2009 Ford Escape, 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL, 2009 Ford Explorer, Ford E-150 Club Wagon, new Ford Ranger and Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and 2009 Ford Everest.

During the June-October period, Ford Everest sales jumped 42 percent versus the same period a year earlier to1,191 units. This included the nameplate's best-ever monthly sales in July since being introduced in 2003, and FGP’s highest single month of any nameplate since the Company started local operations over a decade ago, in June.

Sales of Ford Focus were up 4 percent during the same five months, helping raise its market share in the C-segment to 6 percent year-to-date, versus 5.7 percent for the same period a year ago. The Ford Escape recorded a 19 percent increase in the same period, lifting its year-to-date market share to 15.4 percent versus 12.1 percent for the same time last year. And strong sales of the new Ranger Wildtrak since its August launch have helped boost sales of the entire Ford Ranger lineup through October by nearly 40 percent versus the same period last year.

Mazda on a Zoom-Zoom Trajectory

Sales of Mazda brand vehicles rose by 42 percent in October from the previous month, driven by strong sales of the Mazda3 and Mazda BT-50 pick-up. Both nameplates posted their best monthly performances of the year in October, with Mazda3 increasing by 34 percent over September.


"The Mazda brand is really on a roll this year,” explained Steven Tan. “Our dealers are eagerly awaiting the launch of the CX-7 and CX-9 Sport Crossover SUVs this month, which will be followed by one more exciting new product introduction before the end of the year. Mazda is on a Zoom-Zoom trajectory!"

FGP closed the month of October with a market share of 6.4 percent, including both Ford and Mazda brands, or 0.6 percent higher than the same period a year ago.

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