Ford Australia continues to build on its strong mid-year sales performances after recording its best August sales result since 1998.

Ford sold 11,647 vehicles during August, which is an increase of 1,197 units or 11.5 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Total Ford sales year-to-date reached 87,532 units with the close of August sales period, the best result to this point since 1995.

“Territory was again the top-selling vehicle in the SUV Medium segment, as well as the number one SUV overall, with sales of 1,658 units,” said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

“Since Territory went into production, Ford's year-to-date share of the SUV market has more than doubled, up from an average 3.5 per cent share for the first four months of this year to a peak of 7.5 per cent in August.

“Of the 22 manufacturers represented in the SUV market, Ford has moved into fourth position overall on year-to-date share, while it also now has the second largest monthly share of the booming sector, at 13.4 per cent for August.”

Ford's total SUV sales set another record with 2,003 vehicles sold across the Territory, Escape and Explorer model lines, an increase of 4.4 per cent on the July result.

“Escape sales were up by 21.5 per cent over August 2003, while in the small car segment Focus reinforced its presence with its second best month on record, registering 1,318 sales,” Mr Gorman said.

“Ford's light commercial range had a strong month with Courier 4x2, Courier 4x4 and Econovan recording their best August results since 2001. Courier 4x4 sales totalled 325 units, which was also the second best August result on record.

“Transit also performed well during August, with its 248 sales representing an 18.7 per cent increase compared to August last year.

“The momentum generated by the arrival of Territory, in conjunction with the strong results posted by Focus and the light commercial vehicle range this month, has Ford on track to achieve its best annual sales result in almost a decade,” Mr Gorman said.