Ford has announced that its momentum has continued to start the new calendar year strong with January retail sales rising 19 percent from the previous month to 1,122 units.
The robust performance was led by continued strength in demand for the segment-defining all-new Ranger pickup, as well as solid monthly gains by the technology-packed all-new Focus, segment-leading all-new Kuga and recently-launched new Fiesta.
“These are certainly exciting times for Ford in Malaysia. Over the past few years, we have introduced a series of segment-leading vehicles and Malaysian consumers have responded with great enthusiasm,” said David Westerman, managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.
“The steady market growth we are experiencing here in Malaysia reflects the widening strength and appeal of our brand as we continue to attract many new-to-Ford customers to our expanding showroom,” he added.
The all-new Ranger continues to be Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia, delivering retail sales that rose six percent from December to 626 units.
“Featuring unmatched versatility and capability, the all-new Ranger has really set a new benchmark in performance, quality, capability, fuel efficiency and comfort, which is helping drive extraordinary demand,” said Westerman.
The significantly refreshed new Fiesta delivered its best monthly performance since being launched, with retail sales rising 39 percent from the prior month to 282 units.
The new Fiesta features a host of new smart technologies and features, including Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system, the most comprehensive safety package in its class, as well as Smart Keyless Entry, Power Start, Hill Launch Assist, and rear parking aid with park pilot.
“The new Fiesta offers exactly what young and trendy Malaysians are looking for today in a compact car – fun, safe, smart, leading fuel economy and unmatched value for money in its segment, all in a bold and exciting package,” explained Westerman.
The all-new Ford Focus recorded January retail sales that jumped 26 percent from December to 125 units.
The technology packed all-new Ford Focus significantly raises the bar in its segment with smart features like Active Park Assist, Active City Stop and Blind Spot Information System, as well as a class-leading safety package.
The all-new Kuga also contributed to the strong monthly performance with retail sales surging 64 percent.
“With increasing popularity worldwide, the all-new Kuga proves that an SUV can be efficient, safe, high-tech and capable all at once,“ said Westerman. “Customers today are seeking out value-for-money and the all-new Kuga delivers an ideal choice of performance and technology.”
Poised for Continued Growth in 2014
Ford will soon introduce its multi-award-winning 1.0L EcoBoost engine to Malaysia, which will be available in the new Fiesta at the start of the second quarter.
The 1.0L EcoBoost engine offers the power and performance of a conventional 1.6L petrol engine, with class-leading fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions.
Ford will also launch the locally-assembled Transit next month to meet customer demand for a high-quality, reliable and affordable commercial vehicle in Malaysia.
“Introduction of the Transit will allow Ford to enter another new vehicle segment in the thriving Malaysia market and build on our expanding line-up,” said Westerman.
Ford sales will be given yes another boost in the second of half of the year with the launch of the all-new EcoSport compact urban SUV and its second global performance car in Malaysia, the Fiesta ST.
As sales across its product line-up continue to grow, Ford remains committed to offer customers accessibility through a wider network of nationwide coverage while building on customer convenience, aftersales service and an unmatched customer and ownership experience.
Ford plans to further expand its dealership network to 50 locations and launch eight Quick Lane facilities by year-end.
Ford Quick Lane service centres are dedicated service operations equipped to handle routine vehicle maintenance and minor-repair needs quickly – including oil and filter changes, brake systems, tyres, minor exhaust systems rectifications, tune-ups and alignments.
