30 Years at the Top

Who would of thought that a company could hold the top anything for some 30 years? It appears that in the hearts and minds of car buyers in the UK Ford has been able to do just that. In 2006 Ford finished its 30th year of being the top-selling UK car brand.

Here is the breakdown:

Ford Cars: #1 from 1977 to 2006

Ford Commercial Vehicles: British-built Transit drives increased 2006 volumes in 41st consecutive year

Overall UK Market Share: 16%

Other Highlights for Ford in 2006

Ford Fiesta was #1 among private buyers with 103856 in sales

Ford Fusion saw 14% sales increase

Ford S-MAX and Galaxy hit 12335 in sales

Ford Transit Connect and Transit combined for almost 30% of all commercial vehicles sold

With overall sales down in the UK from 2,825,686 in 2005 to 2,731,832 in 2006 Ford was able to increase vehicle sales by a slim margin. Thats one way to take market share from other companies.. sell more in a down market.

To me as an American its interesting to see Ford from Detroit, Mi do so well in the UK. Its one thing to do well one year, but for them to be the number one seller for 30 years is quite impressive if you ask me especially since the UK isnt Ford's home country. They also are doing this in a time when the Big Three are losing ground in the USA to Toyota and Honda as well as other foriegn car makers.

Perhaps the Big Three should see what Ford is doing right in the UK these past 30 years and apply it here at home.