DEMAND for the UK-built Ford Transit, which makes up the majority of the company's commercial vehicle sales, has led to extra production at the Southampton assembly plant.

The front-wheel drive Transit model, including the SportVan, pictured, modified by ABP Connect, has played a notable part in this success - their sales have risen by 800 vehicles this year.

In the car market Ford's continued popularity surge among private customers has driven retail sales up three per cent in 2007, according to latest figures.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirmed the rise in Ford vehicles registered this year to retail customers. In January to November, Ford Focus and Mondeo models led the growth in retail business - up by almost 4,000 cars on the same period last year.

When fleet sales to company car buyers, and commercial vehicle registrations, are added, the SMMT revealed that a total of 416,118 new Fords have gone on the road this year - over 4,300 up on last year and accounting for 15.8 per cent of the total vehicle market.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "We are having a great year with new Ford models seducing car buyers. This year will close very solidly for us as the new Ford Mondeo remains such hot property, while 2008 brings the new Ford Focus, swiftly followed by the innovative Kuga."