Ford sales soar 63% to 3,968 units as of May

Sales of vehicles under the Ford brand in the country surged 63 percent to 3,968 units in the first five months, despite a temporary work stoppage implemented in April and a reduction in production because of the Japan crisis.

According to data from Ford Group Philippines (FGP), sales in May alone jumped 85 percent to 817 units, driven by the strong performance of the sub-compact Fiesta.

FGP last month sold 324 units of the Fiesta, making it the company’s strongest-selling nameplate.

This brought total Fiesta sales to 1,406 units from January to May.

“Sales of the all-new Fiesta are contributing to our strong performance and underscore its strategic role in transforming our business. The Fiesta is attracting a wide range of Filipino customers who appreciate its class-leading style, smart technology, superior fuel efficiency and unmatched safety in a small car,” FGP president Randy Krieger said in a statement issued Wednesday.

Sales of another strong model, the Everest, likewise increased by 47 percent in May to 226 units.

FGP also sold 102 units of the Ranger, an improvement of 38 percent from the same month last year, and 62 units of the Focus.

“We’re continuing to experience strong demand across our full product lineup, and that is contributing to our sales performance. It’s a strong indication that our One Ford strategy is working, and we’re offering the right vehicles in this market that suit a diverse range of Filipino lifestyles and requirements,” Krieger said.

The March 11 Japan earthquake damaged plants producing crucial auto parts and components as well as critical logistics hubs, effectively causing a disruption in the auto supply chain.

This forced FGP to advance 18 scheduled down days in April while waiting for the necessary parts and components to be delivered to the country.

According to FGP, the temporary shutdown of its manufacturing facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, was merely precautionary, to ensure that the parts on inventory would be enough to last the company until fresh supplies come in.