MEDIA.FORD.COM

Cork, 1 March 2010 – The rise in new car sales accelerated last month, as registrations grew by 38% over February 2009. The jump in sales of vans was even more pronounced, at 72%.

Cologne, February 18, 2010 – Ford's next-generation Focus makes its European debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2, just weeks after a global unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in January. This will be the first chance for European customers to see the car that spearheads Ford's next generation of global C-platform models.

Cork, 1 February 2010 – The Government scrappage scheme contributed to a rise in new car sales of 4.5% in January compared to the same period in 2009, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). 16,650 cars were registered last month, up from 15,929 in January 2009. Ford, with a 15.9% share, was market leader, ahead of Toyota and VW.

Cork, 17 January 2010 – Mrs. Eileen Lovett from Co. Galway has been buying cars from Higgins Motorpark / Higgins Garage since 1929 and just this week, she collected her 23rd car from the garage, a 2010 Ford Focus which she has bought for her daughter.

Cork, January 5, 2010 – Figures announced today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show Ford to be the leading car brand in Ireland for 2009. With a market share of 14.1%, or 8,121 units, Ford claimed the number one position ahead of Toyota (13.2%, 7,603 units) and VW (10.7%, 6,174 units). Total car registrations for 2009 reached 57,460 versus 151,616 in 2008.

Cork, 9 December 2009 – Ford has welcomed the Budget announcement of a car scrappage scheme by offering an additional €1,500 discount on the Ford Ka. This brings down the price of the model to just €8,495 – the lowest price for a Ford car in Ireland in over 20 years.

Cork, 4 December 2009 – The head of Ireland’s top-selling car brand is predicting a stagnant market for car sales in 2010, following the freefall in registrations in 2009. Speaking at a media briefing today in Dublin, Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, said he saw sales reaching just 60,000 units for the coming 12 months. However, a combination of product offers and finance availability mean Ford cars are more accessible to customers than previously, he said.

Cork, 13 November 2009 – Ford Motor Company has announced that it will introduce the motor industry’s first inflatable seat belts in 2010, designed to enhance overall vehicle safety and provide better protection for back-seat passengers.