Ford Vietnam Records Best-Ever Full-Year Sales in 2009

Ford Vietnam today reported its best-ever full-year sales performance in 2009, with total sales increasing 28 percent versus a year ago to 8,286 units. The record year was supported by strong sales across Ford's product lineup, which included the best-ever full-year sales in Vietnam for the Ford Focus sedan, Ford Ranger pickup and Ford Everest SUV nameplates. Ford Vietnam's exceptional results in 2009 helped to underscore its increasing significance in Ford's strategic growth plans for the Asia region.

"We're incredibly proud of our 2009 performance, which resulted from our entire Ford Vietnam team working together to implement our plan and continually drive the business forward," said Michael Pease, general director of Ford Vietnam. "Vietnamese consumers continue to appreciate the quality, style and affordability of our world-class Ford product lineup.

Ford Everest continued to be Ford Vietnam's best-selling nameplate in 2009, with its best-ever full-year sales of 3,642 units. The exceptional year reaffirmed the wide appeal of Ford Everest in Vietnam as an excellent family SUV that features the first-in-segment 5-speed automatic transmission (AT) and versatile TDCi common-rail diesel engine.

Ford Focus achieved record full-year sales in 2009 of 1,030 units, or an increase of 84 percent versus a year ago. The refreshed Focus boasts a dynamic new look and kinetic design, enhanced interior with premium materials and features, and innovative Powershift automatic transmission with Duratorq turbodiesel engine that combine to significantly enhance its performance.

Ford Ranger full-year sales were up 29 percent versus 2008 to its best-ever full-year total of 1,195 units. With its diesel TDCi engine and 4x4 and 4x2 versions, Ford Ranger continues to suit a wide range of both city and upcountry Vietnamese drivers for either work or pleasure.

Full-year sales of Ford Mondeo increased almost 90 percent versus last year. The striking Mondeo is one of the most popular cars in the luxury mid-sized segment with its contemporary design, refined interior, superior safety features, and advanced and efficient engine that features a six-speed automatic transmission.

Sales of Ford Escape SUV in 2009 were up a whopping 153 percent to 1,121 units. The new 2.3L Ford Escape carries an array of design enhancements which lend it a contemporary look, adding to its car-like ride and handling and real SUV capabilities.

Ford Transit achieved sales that rose 37 percent year-over year to 1,173 units, making it one of the best selling and most well-established commercial nameplates in the Vietnam market.

To help support the growth of its business and increasing demand for Ford vehicles, Ford Vietnam continued with its expansion plans in 2009 by completing a new, state-of-the-art assembly line at its Hai Duong facility and increasing production capacity by 25 percent.

Ford also continued to expand its nationwide dealer network in 2009 to a total of 21 dealerships and two Ford assured showrooms. Ford plans to continue expanding its authorized dealer network in 2010 with the addition of several new facilities, and by further enhancing its world-class service offerings and unmatched customer service experience.

In 2009, Ford Vietnam was one of only four automotive brands to score above the industry average in J.D. Power & Associates' first-ever Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) survey for the Vietnam market. Ford Vietnam was also awarded the “Vietnam Golden FDI” from the Ministry of Industry & Trade and Ministry of Planning & Investment for its excellent performance and technology transfer efforts in 2009.

"Ford Vietnam placed a renewed focus on all areas of customer satisfaction in 2009, including launching new state-of-the-art assembly facilities, expanding production capacity, new model launches and a full range of dealer support activities, including our best-in-class Quality Care service program and new dealer sales and delivery processes," explained Pease. Ford Vietnam continued its ‘Driving Skills for Life’ program in 2009, and to date nearly 3,000 motorists nationwide have participated in the free driver safety training. The company participated in Ford's annual Global Week of Caring, where Ford Vietnam employees helped build new libraries for disabled children and donated money for flood victims to help renovate 40 houses and five elementary schools in Quang Nam.

"In 2010, we plan to build on our success in Vietnam by continuing to offer Ford products that are among best-in-class in safety, quality, fuel efficiency, technology and design. The introduction of the incredibly popular Ford Fiesta will certainly underscore our commitment to the Vietnam market."

The new Ford Fiesta had its Vietnam debut at the VAMA Motor Expo 2009. The global Fiesta will be produced at Ford's new US$500 million passenger car facility at AutoAlliance Thailand in Rayong, and launched in Vietnam and ASEAN markets this year.