Ford hangs tough and jumps ahead of Toyota in new-car sales race for July

Ford New Zealand headed new-vehicle sales in July, leading both passenger and commercial segments. The result narrows the dominant market share Toyota has largely maintained over its rival so far this year.

At one stage Toyota had a three per cent lead, but Ford says it aims to finish the year stronger than it started.

"We have held a solid place in the market since January, but we have been aiming for a stronger position in the second half of the year and this result shows we are back on track," said Nigel Harris, Ford's managing director.

Ford sold about 100 vehicles more than Toyota in July, the reverse of June's figures. The facelifted AU II Falcon was a big seller, so was the Courier light commercial, with sales of about 270 models.

Sales of the Courier 4x2 are up 33 per cent and the 4x4 70 per cent up over last year.