The current economic crisis has led to a positive turnout for the British car manufacturer, Ford as its market shares continue to grow, it has been revealed.

After the increase in costs of car insurance premiums and fuel prices, motorists opt for smaller vehicles to cut costs. Ford has sold 1,843 more cars than its nearest competitor and over 3,750 more than last year’s sales, statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have shown.

As a result, Fords market shares went up by 0.2 percent to 16.1 per cent in the year.

Figures have also shown that Ford had overtaken its major competitors by staying at the top in terms of its total vehicle sales for five months running at the beginning of the year, according to SMMT.

Chairman and managing director, Roelant de Waard, of the Ford manufacturer said: "The increase in our retail share reflects the growing appeal of our latest models to individual customers…Ford is well-positioned to maintain its competitive position in a challenging market with a comprehensive and fresh range of attractive, fuel efficient vehicles that is being enhanced at just the right time by two all-new small car models – the Ka and the Fiesta."

The new Ford Fiesta will go on sale this month as part of one of the latest small car line-up.