Based on the latest figures, the Ford Focus looks set to win the title of Ireland’s favourite car again.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry figures show the model currently holds the top spot in car sales here for the first six months of the year.
Since January 1, Focus has notched 3,644 sales in the Irish market, putting it ahead of the fellow C-segment (compact family size ) contender, the Volkswagen Golf (3,462 ), with the Toyota Avensis (3,012 ) leading the charge of the D segment (family size cars ). It should be noted that the Focus figure includes the run-out former model and the new model launched here this year.
During that six month period, the Ford Focus achieved a rare milestone when it surpassed 100,000 sales in the Irish market. This milestone was achieved in 13 years since its first launch here in 1998, making the Focus the fastest-selling car in Irish motoring history.
“The secret to Focus’ early success was its great driving dynamics, exciting styling, and its reliability,” said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. “The new 2011 version of the car, which arrived here in April, hasn’t disappointed the considerable ranks of Focus enthusiasts across the country, and the healthy sales of the new model have helped to keep it top of the charts.”
Since the first version of Focus arrived here in 1998, the car has taken the annual plaudit of top-selling car in Ireland on 10 occasions.
With the scrappage scheme now over, and the second half of the year being traditionally very slow for new car sales, it will be difficult to see the Golf making up the 182 units by which it currently trails the Focus.
