Ford was the top selling brand in the combined car and van market in June that saw overall growth of 5.8 per cent for the month, figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) confirm.
Ford had combined sales of 395 units followed by Volkswagen with 306 and Toyota with 262.
In the car segment, sales during June were flat with a total of 1,690 units sold or just a 1.3 per cent rise on the figure for June 2013. The commercial vehicle market, on the other hand, saw a jump of 20.6 per cent to 608 units for June continuing a trend that has seen van sales grow by 36.7 per cent in the first half of 2014.
Commenting on the figures, Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland, said: “It is expected that June car and commercial vehicle sales experience a general slowdown thanks to the new July registration plate so it is heartening to see the continued healthy growth in the van market. The continued strength of van sales certainly augurs well for the country’s overall economic outlook.
“Ford’s expanded Transit range, with the recent addition of the smallest member of the family, the Transit Courier, continues to be Ireland’s favourite commercial vehicle range.
“To customers looking for either a new van or car in the 142 market, I would say do your research, there are great deals to be had out there, including our Ford Swappage offer that provides €1,500 allowance on selected models. The July plate is certainly playing its part in providing consumers with a second chance to secure a new car under very favourable terms,” concluded Murphy.
