Fiesta registered 517 sales for the month, while Focus sales of 1,311 vehicles saw it record its best first quarter result (3,631 vehicles – up 29 per cent year-on-year) since the Focus brand was launched in Australia in late 2002.

"With the increased consumer focus on the Light and Small car segments over recent months, it's pleasing to see Ford Australia maintaining a strong presence in these important market sectors and continuing to record strong sales results," Mr Gorman said.

Courier 4x2 was another model line that registered a March sales record, with sales of 414 vehicles representing an increase of more than 44 per cent compared to the same time last year.

"The new pricing strategy for the Courier 4x2 turbo-diesel range that was unveiled at the Melbourne International Motor Show in February has had immediate support from tradesmen and light commercial vehicle buyers around the country," Mr Gorman said.

"With higher fuel prices impacting all vehicle segments, the economical turbo-diesel Courier 4x2 range is now an even better value proposition and is proving to be a fantastic alternative to four-cylinder petrol models."

Ford Performance Vehicles has continued its outstanding start to 2006, setting another sales record for March with 219 vehicles sold. The March result comes on the back of record results for January and February, as well as taking FPV's first quarter total to 556 vehicles, up 45 per cent compared to the first quarter last year.

Ford sold a total of 11,118 vehicles during March, which gave the company a market share of 12.8 per cent for the month.

Ford Fiesta LX 5-door hatchback