Strong demand for Ford's new Ranger and Bantam bakkies has seen the brand accelerate to first position in light commercial vehicle sales in the Eastern Cape.

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Ford owned over 26 per cent of the light commercial market in the Eastern Cape in 2004.

The company sold 1 048 Bantams to take more than half (53 per cent) of the half-ton segment, while Ford dealers sold 844 Rangers.

In addition to the Ford registrations, dealers in the Eastern Cape and Border region delivered a further 259 Mazda Drifter bakkies, bringing the total for the outlets to 2 151 units, or 31 per cent more than the nearest rival.

Taking combined Mazda and Ford sales into account, 2004 was the second year in a row that Fords were the top sellers of light commercials in the Eastern Cape/Border region, according to local dealer council chairman Johnnie Pringle.

"We are delighted that so many private and commercial drivers selected our light commercials in 2004. Our commitment to these customers was further endorsed by the excellent customer satisfaction results achieved by the local dealers with seven outlets in the top 25 on the national ranking.

On behalf of the Eastern Cape dealers we extend our thanks to these loyal customers," said Pringle.

Pringle said the Ranger 2.5 turbo diesel in particular has become a firm favourite for farmers. "It has great power, it is the quietest diesel on the market and services have been extended."

Pringle expected sales to stay strong in 2005. "Ford is the fastest-growing major automotive brand in South Africa thanks to its strong model line-up.

"We expect to remain market leaders in the Eastern Cape," he said.