Bangkok--Jan 26--Ogilvy Public Relations
Ford Motor Company's Asia Pacific & Africa region finished 2004 with an 18 percent increase in sales. These results are on top of an 18-percent increase that the region posted in 2003. Full-year sales were 412,000, up 63,000 from 2003. Ten of the 12 markets saw year-over-year increases, led by China where sales grew 119 percent.
"We had a very solid year," said Mark Schulz, executive vice present and president, Ford Asia Pacific & Africa. "Volume increases were impressive, rising 18 percent for two years in a row. With more new products coming in 2005, particularly the all-new Ford Focus that will be sold throughout the region, we are in a great position to build on these results."
Ford operations in China recorded sales of 56,411, up 119 percent over 2003. Records were set for the four nameplates sold in China: Maverick, Mondeo, Fiesta and Transit.
The Chinese passenger car industry continued to grow with 5.2 million vehicles in 2004. Ford China introduced a new domestically produced Mondeo that won Car of the Year for 2004. Ford also added 60 new dealerships in 2004 brining the total to 100.
Ford's ASEAN Operations has also achieved significant success. Sales in Indonesia were up at 6,119, at 61 percent improvement and market share up 0.2 points, with record sales for Ranger, Escape and Everest. Malaysia achieved sales of 4,401, while the Philippines recorded sales of 7,318, up 33 percent and market share up 2.3 points, with SUV leadership continuing and Everest as the segment leader. Vietnam notched sales of 5,618, market share up 2.1 points, with record sales for Mondeo, Transit and Escape. Thailand achieved sales of 24,718, with overall SUV leadership, Escape leads compact SUV segment, topped by the No. 1 ranking in the prestigious J. D. Power Customer Satisfaction Award.
"The ASEAN industry outlook for 2005 is positive with projected growth continuing at a pace of 1.7 million, particularly in the compact and mid-sized sedan, SUV and MPV segments. We expect to build on this momentum on the back of new product introductions, particularly the all-new Ford Focus, expansion of our dealer network, and a strong commitment on quality and customer satisfaction," said Michael J. McCarney, president of Ford ASEAN Operations.
In India, Ford sold 26,159 vehicles, up 33 percent thanks to the continued success of Ikon and the all-new Endeavour. The Indian passenger car market grew 30 percent to 1.4 million units. Ford's share grew 0.1% over 2003. Endeavour, introduced earlier this year, has maintained leadership of the SUV segment. "With the recent introduction of Ford Fusion in December, Ford has a solid line-up of cars and sport utilities to build greater momentum in 2005," said David Friedman, managing director of Ford India.
Australia had its best sales since 1995, thanks to record sales of Territory and Fiesta and continued strong Falcon sales during December that contributed to Australia celebrating the end of 2004 with sales of 135,172. Australia's full-year market share was 14.2 percent, up 0.2 points over the prior year, representing Ford's second year in a row of market share growth. The new Territory sold 13,583 vehicles taking the title of top-selling SUV six months in a row along the way. December sales of 12,436 vehicles gave the company its highest monthly market share for 2004 at 15.7 percent, an increase of two percentage points over December 2003.
Several other affiliates in Ford Asia Pacific & Africa had notable years, breaking prior records:
Japan: sales of 5,850, posting year-over-year increases for the first time in nine years;
New Zealand: sales of 16,088, or second in the industry;
South Africa: sales of 49,087, up 20 percent and market share up 1.8 points with record sales for Bantam and Ranger;
Taiwan: sales of 74,967 with record sales of Escape.
NEWS
Contact:
Pauline Kee Natee Sastyoungkul
Tel. 0 2686-4319 Tel. 0 2686-4000 ext 4635
Fax 0 2661 8384 Fex 0 2264-1006 End.