Ford Philippines sales surge 34% in first half

MANILA, Philippines - Ford Group Philippines (FGP) reported yesterday that its first half sales jumped by 34 percent to 4,562 units as the company ramped up its sales and marketing efforts.

“We are extremely pleased with our first half performance, which reflects the continued confidence and excitement among consumers for our world-class Ford and Mazda vehicles,” FGP president Randy Krieger said. “The improving economy coupled with a strong business and great products helped to realize all the hard work and contributions from our entire FGP team.”

Ford is the first and only volume exporter of CBU vehicles in the country. The car maker exported 8.3 percent more vehicles or 3,892 vehicles in the first half of the year from a year ago level.

Ford Focus, Ford Escape and Mazda3 are being manufactured at the Ford Motor Co. Philippines (FMCP) plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, since 2002 for export to ASEAN markets that include Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

 “We are delighted with the progress of our CBU export program and as the only domestic manufacturer with a CBU export program. We remain committed to delivering high quality vehicles to our neighboring ASEAN markets,” Krieger said.

During the first six months, sales of Ford vehicles rose 20 percent from the same period a year ago, while Mazda vehicles maintained their growth trajectory, with an increase of 77 percent. 

 “We’re confident for sales to remain strong through the second half of the year, which will be led by the upcoming and highly-anticipated launch of the new Ford Fiesta,” explained Krieger.

The Ford Everest continued to lead Ford brand vehicle sales through the first half, rising 25 percent from a year ago to 1,065 units, with June sales rising more than 39 percent from the previous month. 

Ford Escape sales grew 36 percent through June to 834 units. This highlights a positive upward monthly sales trend for Escape, whose June sales rose 54 percent from the previous month. The Ford Focus also turned in a strong first half, with sales that increased 21 percent from the same period last year to 425 units.