In spite of the fact that the European market is experiencing a continuing decline in car sales, Ford's new Fiesta hatch has proven a runaway success for the ailing automaker becoming the fastest-selling model ever to wear that Fiesta name plate. In April the 250,000th example of the new Fiesta rolled off the firm's assembly line in Cologne, Germany, just nine months after the car went on sale in the Old Continent. According to Ford, no other previous generation Fiesta has reached this milestone in such a short period of time.
And the trend seems to be very positive for Ford as in March, the Fiesta's European sales climbed to 52,800 units, making it the best-selling car of the month according to automotive business consultancy, JATO Dynamics.
"The new Fiesta has been a tremendous hit with consumers since it went on sale all over Europe," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president of marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe. "Customers are attracted to Fiesta by its design, the driving experience and affordability of the car."
Currently, Ford has shipped 100 five-door Fiestas in the U.S. that have been loaned for a period of 6-months to selected drivers / bloggers (generally people who are active in social media sites) that participated in the "Fiesta Movement" project. North Americas sales of the new Fiesta in will begin in 2010.
