Polk global market registration data officially confirmed that the Ford Focus was the world’s best selling passenger car in 2012, with the Ford F-series bakkie taking third place and Ford Fiesta coming in as the best selling subcompact.

Astounding record sales for Ford

According to the automotive data and trends forecasting leader, sales of the compact Focus totalled 1,020, 410 cars worldwide. This caused market gains for the Focus which was driven by consumer demands in China and United States.In China, registrations were up by 51% last year, while in United States sales were up by 40%.

“Focus and Fiesta represent the culmination of our One Ford global product strategy,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president.

He added “Our global products are resonating with consumers – especially in the best-selling, most competitive segments – with their unique combination of fuel efficiency, high quality, rich content and fun-to-drive personalities. Through One Ford, we’re able to bring economies of scale and fantastic value to customers all around the world.”

In addition to its title of ‘World’s Best-Selling Vehicle’, Polk data also confirmed that with 723 130 registrations last year, the Ford Fiesta is the best-selling subcompact car globally. Together, registrations of Ford’s small cars – Fiesta and Focus – totaled 1,743,540 vehicles in 2012.

Farley concluded “Since its launch in China in late March of last year, Focus sales continue to strengthen, with the car now ranking as the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever,”

“With additional manufacturing capacity added last year, we now have a tremendous opportunity to further strengthen our global small car sales in 2013, with sales off to a very strong start already.”