Ford Motor Company said its GCC retail sales grew 37 per cent compared to the same period last year mainly due to surging demand for its Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles.

Announcing the first quarter results, Ford said increasing retail sales across the Ford and Lincoln lineups in the region further confirm continued increase in consumer preference for the latest models from both brands.

The rise in retail sales was seen across passenger cars, which grew by more than 25 per cent, as well as the utility vehicles range, which registered a 50 per cent growth, with the main performers being Ford Fusion, Taurus, as well as the Ford Edge, Escape, Explorer, Expedition and F-150.

This upbeat Q1 growth follows the best ever year for Ford in the region, with full year sales for 2011 up by 50 per cent on 2010, said a senior official.

“This is a remarkable start to the year for Ford, with more and more customers looking to Ford and Lincoln products for more value and more car for their money,” said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East’s director of sales.

“Our sales reflect the growing recognition and demand for our vehicles as customers see the great design and segment leading fuel-efficiencies together with industry-leading safety and convenience technologies brought to them in an affordable package with outstanding quality," noted Murad.

The retail sales in Saudi Arabia shot up by 50 per cent while Kuwait remained vibrant during the first quarter, thanks to Expedition and Explorer.

The total first quarter sales in the UAE increased by 60 per cent over the same period last year, while Bahrain noted a 55 per cent boost in total sales, Qatar and Oman each posted a growth of about 40 per cent, said Murad.

"Our new models continue to deliver great results as clearly they touch upon what the GCC customer really wants: quality, great looks, outstanding interior space and comfort and unique technologies that are affordable," he remarked.

"These results prove that Ford’s efforts in delivering these elements are truly appreciated by our growing customer base," he added.-TradeArabia News Service