Ford's full-year sales soar 145 per cent

The extraordinary year was led by the launch and success of the Fiesta, which generated sales of 4,297 units in its first full year of availability.

KUALA LUMPUR: Automotive group Ford Motor Co saw its 2011's sales in Malaysia jump 145 per cent from the previous year to 7,188 vehicles.

This represents the company's best annual performance since 1997, attributed to the launch and success of the all-new Fiesta and Ford Ranger and the all-new S-Max, which earned Malaysia's 2011 Car of the Year Award in the multi purpose vehicle category.

"This is an outstanding achievement for both Ford and our partner Sime Darby AutoConnexion and highlights the unmatched commitment we have to our business and our customers in Malaysia," said Ford export and growth operations regional manager Asia Pacific David Westerman in a statement.

The Fiesta gained immediate popularity among Malaysia's young generation with more customers finding appeal in its best-in-class combination of smart technologies, fuel efficiency, cool design, safety and value for money.

Last year was also driven by a strong performance from the popular and tough Ford Ranger pickup, with full-year sales that rose more than 17 per cent from the previous year to 2,274 units.

Retail sales of the Ford Focus increased 58 per cent from the previous year to 263 units.

The All New Ford S-Max and new Ford Mondeo were also well-received by the market last year, with the all new S-Max underscoring Ford's efforts to continue launching class-leading One Ford vehicles by being named Malaysia's 2011 Car of The Year in the MPV segment.

"We believe that 2012 is going to be an even more exciting year for Ford in Malaysia with the introduction of the all-new Ranger and other segment defining products," said Westerman.

Michigan-based Ford manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents, with its automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. It is supported by about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide.