The newest generation of the Ford Fiesta has become Europe's best-selling car, pushing the Volkswagen Golf into second place for both March 2010 and year-to-date sales according to the latest figures from JATO Dynamics, an automotive business intelligence company.

Ford sold 68,630 Fiestas in March 2010, 11,784 more than the Golf. It represents a 25.8% increase in sales over March 2009. In the first quarter of the year (January-March), Europeans bought 140,496 Ford Fiestas (+21.7%) as compared to 135,048 VW Golfs (+10.4%). Beyond the Fiesta and Golf, small cars dominated the list with the best selling models in Europe in first quarter of 2010.

In addition to securing top spot with the Fiesta, Ford also managed to finish first in the March brand chart, with 1,818 sales more than Volkswagen. The American brand also closed up the year-to-date gap with its German rival by posting a 9.9% increase in sales volume to 348,780 units.

It is a indeed a time for champagne popping for Ford. Can Ford replicate the sales success here in Southeast Asia? I believe it is possible with Ford's new manufacturing facility in Thailand which hopefully will drive production cost and offer value for money products for the consumers. In addition, Ford is introducing some interesting technology for Asia. For example, our neighbour in the North is getting a version of the Fiesta fitted with the 1.6L TI-VCT engine,mated to a 6 speed powershift gearbox.