22 June 2001: The new Ford Mondeo last month joined Ford Focus and Transit as the best-selling vehicle in its class. The Mondeo claimed over 3.6% of the entire car market, with 673 units, 38% more than its nearest competitor, the Toyota Avensis (485 units).

The leading cars in the business/large family car segment (C/D) for the month of May were Ford Mondeo (673), Toyota Avensis (485), VW Passat (446), Renault Laguna (384), Nissan Primera (258).

"Since its introduction in January, Mondeo has exceeded our sales expectations each month and continues to increase share each month," says Eddie Murphy, chairman and MD of Henry Ford & Son Ltd in Cork. "Equally importantly, feedback from owners has been excellent, not least from those opting for the Duratorq diesel powertrains." FC/BB