Ford reports 57% year-on-year sales increase for Q1 2013
Ford sold a total of more than 2,600 vehicles in Malaysia during the first quarter of 2013, charting a 57% year-on-year increase from the corresponding period of 2012. Strong demand for models such as the Fiesta, Focus, and Ranger has enabled Ford to carry its strong sales momentum from 2012 forward to this year.
“We’re proud of our strong sales growth in Malaysia and we’re excited about what’s next,” said David Westerman, regional manager, Asia Pacific, Ford Export & Growth Operations.
The Ranger’s launch last year marked the start of an 18 month period which Ford has promised six new model launches. Launch of the Focus and Focus ST meant Ford is already halfway through that promise, although a press release sent out today now states eight new models by 2014, which is fine with us.
The eight will include all-new models and facelifts of current models, and they will feature a total of eight powertrains that are completely new to our market. In addition to new members of the growing EcoBoost turbo petrol family, the aforementioned release also specifically mentioned diesel powertrains as being in the pipeline.
Next up from Ford will be the all-new Kuga that is now already opened for bookings at an estimated price of RM168,000. Fully imported from Valencia, Spain, the Kuga replaces the Escape as Ford’s mid-sized SUV offering and will go against established opposition such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5.
