Ford increases market share

Ford increased its market lead in February to 8,084 cars for the year to date after selling 9,915 cars in February, according to SMMT data. The Ford Fiesta takes the number one position with the Ford Focus coming in second place. 

Nigel Sharp, Ford Britain managing director said,”February is traditionally a curtain raiser to the plate change month of March, when Ford customers will benefit from the company’s best-ever vehicle range and its Spring marketing campaign, which establishes lower price points for its most popular models.

Ford’s ongoing freshening of the range will be unrelenting in 2010 with the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy range appearing in April, the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX later in the year as well as a number of new engine and transmission introductions.”

Tony Hadley

The 1980s pop band, Spandau Ballet, has chosen the Ford S-Max as their mode of transport for their 2009 Reformation Tour. Ford has loaned them several of the S-MAX Titanium models to move the band members and crew around the country during their tour.

Lead singer Tony Hadley said,”I wanted a car that was stylish and comfortable for long journeys, and the S-MAX fits the bill perfectly”. Mr Hadley has been driving an S-MAX Titanium 2.0 TDCi Automatic since June of this year. Ford car leasing prices on the S-MAX are available now.

The winners at the prestigious “Fleet News Awards 2009″ were announced last night at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, Mayfair, W1. Manufacturers, Contract Hire Leasing companies, Fleet Managers and other motoring related service companies were all recognised for their hard work and commitment throughout 2008.

The full roll call of winners is as follows.

Fleet Manager Awards.

New Fleet Manager of the Year – Alan Tegge, British Standards Institution.

Boardroom Initiative of the Year - Avon Cosmetics.

Fleet Manager of the Year , sub 100 vehicles – Rob Paddock, Commercial Group.

Fleet Manager of the Year, 101 to 400 vehicles – Marie Jarrold, British Car Auctions.

Fleet Manager of the Year, 500+ vehicles – Gerard Finn, Avon Cosmetics.

Service Company Awards

Best Environmental Initiative - Leaseplan.

Best Safety Initiative – Fleet Support Group.

Best Leasing Initiative – Arval UK.

Best Short-term Rental Initiative – Europcar.

Best Customer Services Initiative – Zenith Provecta.

Manufacturer Awards

Best Small Car – Ford Fiesta,

Best Small Family Car – Volkswagen Golf.

Best Large Family Car – Mazda6

Best People Carrier – Ford S-Max.

Best Small SUV – Ford Kuga.

Best Large SUV- BMW X5.

Best RV star – Mini

Best Small Premium Car – BMW 1 Series.

Best Large Premium Car – Audi A4.

Best Executive Car – BMW 5 Series.

Best Luxury Car – BMW 7 Series.

Fleet News Headline Awards

Fleet of the Year – IBM.

Fleet News Hall of Fame Award – John Bradley, MBE, Hampshire constabulary.

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year – Ford.

Fleet Supplier of the Year – Kwik-Fit Fleet.

Company Car of the Year – Audi A4.