August 5^th, 2003

“Race on Sunday, sell on Monday”

SALES of the award-winning Ford Falcon continue to mirror Ford’s ongoing racetrack success, breathing new life into the old saying about racing and selling.

"Ford sales for July totalled 11,578 units, representing our best July result since 2000," said Ford Australia’s marketing and sales vice president Bruce McDonald.

"The total figure is up 2359 units on last year's number, representing a 25.6 percent increase."

Mr McDonald said Falcon passenger sales in July totalled 6729, up 1944 units, or 40.6 percent, on July 2002.

"It marks the best July result since 1995 and our third best July on record,” he said.

"Our performance range of XR Falcons continues to drive out of the showroom floor. We recorded our second best Falcon XR sales result on record in July with total sales of 1522 units."

Mr McDonald said the success of the Falcon in the sales figures was mirrored by other strong results.

"New Fairlane proved a hit with customers in its first month of sales. A total of 468 BA Fairlanes were sold in July, representing the best Fairlane sales result in any month since June 1999.

"In total, Ford passenger vehicle sales numbered 8454 units for the month which marks the best July result since 2000, and up 2005 units, or 31.1 percent, on the July 2002 figure."

And the Ford range of commercial vehicles recorded another excellent sales month.

"Falcon Ute looks set to smash last year's record figure with a total of 1768 units sold in July, making it the best Falcon Ute July sales result on record,” said Mr McDonald.

"Ford Courier had its best July sales result ever with 547 units, up 218 units or 66.3 percent on last year.

"The imminent launch of products like the tough Falcon RTV Ute, the critically acclaimed Fiesta and the exciting new Territory all point to good times ahead for Ford Australia and our customers.”