Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s response
PRETORIA, South Africa, 02 February, 2012 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) started 2012 with solid momentum. It continues ramping up production of the all-new Ranger pickup truck and offering new vehicles like Kuga.
FMCSA sold 3,730 retail vehicles in January.
Ford Figo had sales of 1,337 vehicles, was the fourth best selling vehicle in South Africa, reinforcing its strong fuel economy, high quality and fun-to-drive attributes.
On January 27, Ford Motor Company reported 2011 full year pre-tax operating profit of $8.8 billion, an increase of $463 million from a year ago, as strong performance in North America and Ford Credit offset challenges in other parts of the world. The marks the company’s third year in a row of improving annual operating profits.
“We delivered strong results for the full year as we continued to serve our customers around the world with best-in-class vehicles and make progress toward our mid-decade goals,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “Despite the continued uncertainty in the external environment, the strength of our North American and Ford Credit operations allows us to continue to invest for future growth and develop outstanding products with segment-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”
Ford Motor Company’s global growth is mirrored by Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) successes. The company has expanded and invested it its Silverton Assembly Plant, one of the key assembly and powertrain operations in the company’s Asia Pacific and Africa region. FMCSA remains an important contributor to Ford globally.
“FMCSA’s sustained commitment to South Africa has continued to bring exciting new products to market, while creating future growth opportunities through investment and employment,” said FMCSA’s Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service, Dean Stoneley. “Not least of those new products is Ranger, which will provide a solid sales base for Ford Light Commercial Vehicle sales this year.”
January’s industry sales showed resilience growing 1,9% over the same month last year to 45,944 new vehicles. “Market growth this year is not going to be seen in big numbers as was the case in 2011, purely because the market had already returned to a strong position last year,” said Stoneley. “It means that even small growth this year is indicative of a strong new vehicle market.”
The growth is in line with Ford’s forecast on global market growth in 2012: “Global economic growth is projected to be in the region of 3% this year driven largely by stronger US results while Europe is hampered by debt crisis and austerity measures. Several key emerging markets have entered policy easing cycles which will also contribute towards growth,” said Stoneley.
2012 global industry sales are projected to be about 80 million units.
“With improved supply of Ranger as production capacity increases, the continued success of Figo and Fiesta and new products such as Kuga, Ford is well-positioned to capitalise on continued South African new vehicle market growth this year,” said Stoneley. “More exciting Mazda products will also be added to our mix, allowing FMCSA to continue contributing towards the group’s mid-decade outlook.”
TOP PERFORMING: NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES
| January 2012 | |
| Model | Volume |
| VW Polo | 2 100 |
| VW Polo Vivo | 2 072 |
| TOYOTA Corolla | 1 412 |
| Ford Figo | 1 337 |
| VW Polo Sedan | 892 |
| TOYOTA Yaris | 882 |
| VW Golf 6 | 659 |
| Chev Aveo | 657 |
| Chev Cruze | 606 |
| Nissan Juke | 602 |
TOP PERFORMING: NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
| January 2012 | |
| Model | Volume |
| Toyota Hilux | 2 774 |
| Nissan NP200 | 1 506 |
| CHEV Utility | 1 117 |
| Toyota Quantam | 927 |
| ISUZU KB | 800 |
| NISSAN NP300 Hardbody | 596 |
| FORD Bantam | 581 |
| VW Amarok | 502 |
| Mazda BT-50 | 243 |
| Ford Ranger | 228 |
Source: Naamsa
