By Kris M. Crismundo
MANILA, April 7 (PNA) — Sales of American automaker Ford Motor Company in the Philippine market surged by 43 percent to 5,273 units in January-March 2015, from 3,692 units sold in the same period in 2014.
“Our momentum in the first quarter is being driven by our full lineup of global Ford vehicles that is allowing us to become a brand of choice for Filipinos,” said Ford Philippines Managing Director Kay Hart on Tuesday.
Growth drivers for its first quarter (Q1) sales are its EcoSport and Ranger nameplates.
EcoSport has the largest unit sales in Q1 2015 totaling to 2,157 units. The model was only introduced in the local market a year ago.
“The EcoSport’s combination of sporty design, smart technologies and sensible value proposition have truly helped to create its own space in the market, and we are thankful for the tremendous response by our customers since launching this compact SUV a year ago,” said Hart.
On the other hand, Ranger nameplate sold 2,058 units in Q1 this year.
It was also noted that Ford Philippines registered a record-sales for March this year that boosted its Q1 2015 performance.
Ford Philippines said March 2015 sales hit 40 percent increase to 1,877 units from last year’s sales of 1,339 units.
Ranger and EcoSport remained Ford’s top selling nameplates for March 2015 with sales of 792 units and 763 units, respectively.
Ford Fiesta sales in the same period was a 132 units; Ford Explorer had 80 units being sold; Ford Escape which began deliveries in February this year sold 80 units in March; and Everest sold 56 units.
Ford Philippines will launch the all-new Everest on Thursday.
“We’re so excited to give Filipinos their first look at the new Everest,” said Hart. “This next-generation SUV is completely redesigned, both inside and out, and we are confident it will even exceed our customer’s already high expectations.”
Meanwhile, the car company said it is on track for its expansion plans in the Philippine market. Ford Philippines eyes a total of 40 dealerships nationwide.
Ford Philippines will also open its newest facility in Malolos City, Bulacan in May. (PNA)