Ford NZ sales up 30 percent

Ford New Zealand has made a great start to 2014 as more and more Kiwis are choosing the Blue Oval. Strong sales momentum continued into the first quarter of 2014 with sales up more than 30 per cent on the same time frame in 2013 - the highest growth of the top five brands in New Zealand.

Corey Holter, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand, says the results are a sign of good things to come.

"We’re optimistic about the industry and we’ve increased our overall industry sales call to 120,000 for the year," said Holter. "New Zealand is in a good place with business confidence high and the economy moving along steadily. And for Ford in particular, we have the best line up of vehicles we’ve had yet and it’s only getting better. So we have a healthy New Zealand economy and at the same time Ford continues to expand the showroom with safe, smart vehicles that New Zealanders want to drive."

Ranger on Top

In the highly competitive ute market, the Ford Ranger has left the competition behind. It has not only been the top selling ute this year, it has surpassed its key competitors for residual values. According to leading lease companies, the Ford Ranger has a stronger residual value than the Toyota Hilux - a claim that Toyota has cited as its key strength for its ute.

Holter says the stronger residuals mean customers retain more value in their Ranger and it just further cements the fact that the Ford Ranger is the best truck in New Zealand, offering customers a no-compromise solution.

"When you add up the Ranger’s awards, winning reviews, comparisons by the experts and now a stronger residual value, there is no argument left as to which is the best ute. Judging by the Ranger’s lead in 2014, Kiwis agree," said Holter. "We certainly won’t get complacent as the ute market will remain fiercely competitive in 2014. But when you stack up the options and look at refinement, safety, capability, smart features and value for money, the Ford Ranger wins."

Ford New Zealand says Rangers are now in stock and they are able to meet demand on most models. Some Ranger special derivatives, like the top model Wildtrak, may still have a wait time as demand continues to outstrip supply.

Ford Line Up Expands

Ford New Zealand recently introduced the very popular new Fiesta Sport featuring the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year - the 1.0 litre EcoBoost.

"The Fiesta Sport with the EcoBoost engine continues to surprise drivers and exceed all expectations," said Holter. "There has been plenty written about it, and even the great international awards, but what really gets people hooked is one quick test drive. Once they get behind the wheel, they then realise that all the awards and column inches have been right on the money. It’s a fantastic and fun car to drive - guilt free too with the fuel efficiency."

Later this month New Zealand sees the arrival of the All-New Ford EcoSport, a small SUV, and the All-New Transit Cargo. Ford New Zealand will be releasing full details including pricing on those models within the next two weeks.

"With the arrival of our small urban SUV, the Ford EcoSport, we now have a full range of SUVs on offer for Kiwis," said Holter. "And the Transit Cargo offers New Zealand the smartest van solution for their business yet."

Search ‘Ford NZ’ or "Ford Ranger NZ" for more information or go to: http://www.ford.co.nz