Ford SA sales rise as EcoSport is launched

Ford's strong performance continued, delivering the brand's second highest retail sales month since it started reporting to Naamsa and an all-time high market share of 11.1% amongst Naamsa reporters.

In its first month of sales in South Africa, the EcoSport generated sales of 522. A "white space" vehicle for Ford locally, the EcoSport carves out a new segment of the market in a premium, sporty and technology feature-rich package. Features like the first-in-segment SYNC voice control technology, striking design and generous ground clearance help to distinguish the EcoSport in its segment.

"We're happy to be able to bring the EcoSport to South Africa, and it's exciting to see how well South African customers have responded," said Mark Kaufman, vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service at FMCSA. "We look forward to continuing to deliver award-winning technology and global products that our customers need and want as we further expand our lineup of global One Ford vehicles in South Africa."

Ford's EcoBoost engine technology

The EcoSport is also the latest product to feature Ford's EcoBoost engine technology, available in South Africa in the Fiesta, Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Kuga. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine available on the EcoSport provides the power of a traditional 1.6-litre engine while improving fuel efficiency by 20% and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 15%.

Continuing Ford's successful SUV month, the Kuga was voted Woman's Car of the Year and continued to be the segment leader for the third month in a row.

The rugged Ford Ranger continued to pull in robust retail sales numbers in August. Ford sold 1,695 units of the award-winning pickup, up 36.8% from a year earlier. "The Ranger continues to be a sales champion for us with its combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It's also the key to our export business at FMCSA as we remain an important part of Ford's global manufacturing capability," said Kaufman.

The popular Figo small car also remained a top seller in August with sales of 1,200 units. Named best budget car at the CAR Magazine Top 12 Awards earlier this year, the Figo has sold 9,399 units in the year to date.

"Looking ahead, we may see the impact of labour actions that affected production in August," said Kaufman. "But at the same time, the strong demand we see across our product line shows that our One Ford plan is working. We remain confident that as we support and expand our lineup of global vehicles we'll continue to see robust performance in South Africa."