Ford achieved its best May sales result in eight years with 11,177 new vehicle registrations, an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to May last year.

"The May sales performance extended our run of year-on-year growth in 2005 to five consecutive months," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"Total Ford sales for the year are up by 2,773 units, or 5.4 per cent, to 53,793 vehicles."

Stand-out performers for the month were spread across the full range of vehicle segments in which Ford competes, from both the Light and Prestige passenger segments to SUVs and Light Trucks.

"Record May sales results were recorded by Fiesta, with 410 sales, and Courier 4x2, with 388 sales, while Courier 4x4 and F-Series all produced their best May results since 2002," Mr Gorman said.

"The Fairlane was another on the list of key performers for the month, with the positive response to the recent MkII update driving sales of Fairlane to a three-year May high.

"Territory also featured strongly, with sales of 2,154 vehicles propelling total SUV sales to a new May record of 2,410 vehicles."

Ford sold 4,530 Falcon passenger models during May, contributing to total Passenger sales of 5,921 vehicles – an increase of 589 vehicles or 11.0 per cent on the previous month.