Ford Dec sales up 39% at 6,000 units

Car maker Ford India today reported 39% jump in sales for December 2011, at 5,979 units.

The company sold 4,301 units in the corresponding month of the 2010, Ford India said in a statement.

In the whole of 2011, the company sold 96,270 units in the domestic market, up 15% compared to the previous year, it said without disclosing its 2010 sales.

"It's incredibly gratifying to see that our domestic sales have grown at such a steady pace, particularly given the challenging market environment. Overall, 2011 was a strong and positive year where we crossed many milestones," Ford India President and Managing Director Michael Boneham said.

He said India also became an increasingly important exporter of Ford vehicles last year, with shipments reaching 22,521 vehicles, almost three times the number exported in 2010.

During 2011, Ford India expanded its export footprint for the popular Figo to 32 countries, with Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast added in December, it added.

"With work commencing on our second plant in Sanand, expansion of the powertrain facility in Chennai, the launch of the All-New global Fiesta, and Figo's growing popularity in 2011 gave us many proud moments to cherish," Boneham added.

Ford India will use the upcoming Auto Expo to preview the second of eight new vehicles that Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade.

"In 2012, starting with a global vehicle debut at the Delhi Auto Show, we will continue working hard to offer our customers exceptional service, and more fuel-efficient, stylish, affordable vehicles with advanced technologies that they expect from Ford. We look forward to another banner year," he said.