Ford's Focus and Fiesta top the Polk charts

Polk global market registration data revealed sales of the compact Focus totalled 1,020,410 cars worldwide in 2012 to take the title of world's best-selling vehicle overall. It also confirmed the Ford Fiesta as the best-selling subcompact car globally, with 723 130 registrations last year.

"Focus and Fiesta represent the culmination of our One Ford global product strategy," said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice-president, global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. "Our global products are resonating with consumers - especially in the best-selling, most competitive segments - with their unique combination of fuel efficiency, high-quality, rich content and fun-to-drive personalities. Through One Ford, we're able to bring economies of scale and fantastic value to customers all around the world."

The Focus in Europe last year became the first Ford to be offered with the innovative 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that went on to be named the "International Engine of the Year 2012". In addition the 250 PS Focus ST went on sale in Europe and in markets worldwide. In 2012, Ford also launched the stylish new Fiesta, followed this year by the 182 PS Fiesta ST.

Best-selling small car in Europe

The Fiesta's latest success follows confirmation that Ford's global B-car was the best-selling small car in Europe in 2012 according to automotive data intelligence provider JATO Dynamics, with European consumers buying a new Ford Fiesta every two minutes on average.

Market gains for Focus were driven by consumer demand in China and the US. China registrations were up 51% last year, with the market responsible for just more than one out of four Focus vehicles sold globally according to Polk data. US Focus sales were up 40% in 2012, also contributing to the car's global growth.

"Since its launch in China in late March of last year, Focus sales continue to strengthen, with the car now ranking as the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever," Farley said. "With additional manufacturing capacity added last year, we now have a tremendous opportunity to strengthen further our global small car sales in 2013, with sales off to a very strong start already."

Global new vehicle registrations for the Ford F-Series - America's best-selling pick-up for 36 straight years - totalled 785 630 trucks last year, putting it in the number three spot among all vehicles sold worldwide.