1 June 2001: The Ford Focus, the world’s best-selling car, was also Ireland’s most popular model for the first four months of the year according to figures released today by the SIMI.

Registrations for the Focus in the year to April totalled 4,762, ahead of the Nissan Almera (4,701) and the Fiat Punto (4,609). Opel's Astra sold 3,646 units in the four months.

Almost 25,000 Ford Focus units have been sold here since its introduction.

Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Henry Ford & Son Limited, recalled the Focus has picked up in excess of 50 awards worldwide since its introduction, including the Semperit Irish Car of the Year and, most recently, Argentina’s Car of the Year. "Focus is establishing itself as a definitive world brand," he said at the news of its latest success here.

Two sports versions of the Focus, the ST, offering 170PS, and the RS, developing a whopping 200PS plus, will be introduced to Ireland later in the year. TW