New Ford Focus eclipses its rivals

New Ford Focus eclipses its rivals

The new Ford Focus is currently the best-selling single car nameplate of 2012 in the world, research has revealed.

Global data provided by IHS Automotive reveals that the car has managed to outsell every other car model in the first six months of the year.

In fact, the Ford Focus sold 489,616 units between January and June 2012. This eclipses its nearest competitor the Toyota Corolla, which sold a respectable 462,187 units during the same period.

The new Ford Focus, which is offered in Europe as 5-door, 4-door and wagon models, has also helped Ford to set another milestone this week.

This is because the American car manufacturer has managed to roll its 350 millionth vehicle off the production line, with the feat achieved at a plant in Rayong, Thailand.

John Fleming, executive vice president of global manufacturing at Ford, pointed out: "Consider, for a moment, the enormity of 350 million vehicles.

"It's equivalent to producing one vehicle every ten seconds for 109 years; and, if placed end to end, would stretch to the moon and back – twice."

Posted by Craig Salter