Ford reclaimed its position as the best-selling van brand in Ireland in the first quarter of 2013, as sales of commercial vehicles dipped 10% compared to the same period last year. According to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 4,991 commercial vehicles were registered between January and March, with Ford the top-selling brand, ahead of VW and Renault.

With 995 units, Ford took No.1 spot, with a 19.9% share. VW’s 17.8% share saw it claim second place (886 units) with Renault on 8.7% (436 units). The Ford Transit was the best-selling van in the country.

“This resurgence by Ford in the CV market augers well for the remainder of the year,” says Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “The award-winning Transit Custom has been an important addition to our line–up, and we’ve just welcomed the new Focus van, traditionally a best-seller in its segment. Furthermore, there is a raft of new product coming on stream later in the year and beyond, which will help consolidate Ford’s position as the Ireland’s most popular van brand.”