FORD remains the No 1 brand in the UK and its Fiesta supermini the top seller, according to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The blue oval marque’s total vehicle retail share of 11.5% in October was up 1.1% compared with the same month last year.

Figures show that Ford was overall car sales leader in October and for the year to date, with 16,344 and 246,770 registrations, while the company’s share of car sales for the month was 12.4% and for the year to date 14%.

The Fiesta was also UK best seller in October and for the year to date, the model capturing 5.4% of the market last month. Its share stands at 5.7%for the year to date.

Nigel Sharp, managing director Ford of Britain, said: "Our UK market leadership is supported by a strengthening in sales that reflects the appeal of our best ever range, now including the all-new Ford C-MAX Šand Grand C-MAX and the significantly freshened Mondeo.

“Our approach to the market is supported by a clear pricing strategy that is helping to build the positive perception of the blue oval brand."