The demand for Ford vehicles, led by the new Ford Fiesta nabbed a solid 18.5 percent share of November registrations. This translates out to a 5.2 percent increase year over year, and follows October's 3 percent gain over 2007s results.

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show how the Ford Mondeo, and the new Fiesta grew November sales in a bleak market. Fords Fiesta was the UK's top-selling car in November, with the Focus second, and the Mondeo in fourth.

Ford deliveries to private buyers jumped a solid 5.5 percent last month. Proof in the pudding that Ford is gaining solid ground in the UK amongst vehicle owners. The new Ford Fiesta, on sale since October, attracted 1,000 more buyers in November 2008 than November 2007.

Ford's commercial business is enjoying retail success amongst sole traders and owner/operators, who purchase vehicles that are not a part of fleet deals. Light Ford CVs such as the Fiesta Van and the short-wheelbase Transit Connect registrations jumped an impressive 11.3 percentage points in November.

Ford's Britain chairman and managing director Roelant de Waard said: "The best Ford range ever is cushioning us against the worst of the market downturn. We're seeing how unprecedented market conditions are not applying to all players equally. The deck of cards is being reshuffled in favor of Ford's combination of head-turning exterior styling, high-spec interiors plus low fuel consumption and CO2 output."

With the arrival of the new Ford Fiesta and the Ka, on sale next month, brings the total number of Ford models emitting under 120g of CO2/km to over 50. Sales of these cars are up by 50 percent so far this year.

Ford sales in the UK year-to-date stand at a whopping 384,230 cars, and CVs accounting for a total of 16.3 percent of the market. Translating out to a half a point higher than the same time last year.