Ford Focus Tops 2013 Global Sales with Over 1.1 Million Units
The Ford Focus led worldwide car sales in 2013, outpacing rivals such as the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta with more than 1.1 million units sold.
Ford Focus finished 2013 as the world’s bestselling car, according to data from LMC Automotive, with sales exceeding 1.1 million units. This marks the second consecutive year the Focus has claimed the top spot in global passenger car sales.
The Focus’s performance in 2013 continued a strong run for Ford’s global compact. Since its European launch in July 1998, and introduction to the US market the following year, cumulative sales have surpassed 12 million units. The car’s broad appeal is reflected in its presence in a wide range of markets and even in the Vatican’s garage, with Pope Francis reportedly using a Focus as his official vehicle.
How the competition stacked up
Toyota’s Corolla was the closest challenger, selling just over 1 million units in 2013. The Corolla has a long history of global sales leadership, having first reached the world’s top spot in 1974. The latest facelifted version was already on sale in several markets by the end of 2013, maintaining its appeal in a crowded segment.
Volkswagen’s Jetta claimed third place with 906,000 units sold, ahead of the Hyundai Elantra (866,000) and Chevrolet Cruze (729,000). The Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Polo completed the global top ten, all with sales between 686,000 and 728,000 units.
| Rank | Model | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Focus | >1,100,000 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | 1,001,141 |
| 3 | Volkswagen Jetta | 906,000 |
| 4 | Hyundai Elantra | 866,000 |
| 5 | Chevrolet Cruze | 729,000 |
| 6 | Toyota Camry | 728,230 |
| 7 | Volkswagen Golf | 720,440 |
| 8 | Ford Fiesta | 705,287 |
| 9 | Honda CR-V | 697,955 |
| 10 | Volkswagen Polo | 686,000 |
Focus’s ongoing evolution
With the Focus continuing to anchor Ford’s global line-up, the company confirmed development of a new version, expected to arrive in 2017. While details were limited at the time, Ford’s vice president Raj Nair indicated that the next model would retain much of the existing car’s character, suggesting only incremental changes to styling and packaging.
For buyers, the Focus’s sales strength translated to strong dealer support, a wide choice of trims and engines, and a competitive position in major markets. The car’s success also underpinned Ford’s global production footprint, supporting jobs across European, North American and Asian plants.
The wider market context
The 2013 sales figures highlight the strength of compact cars worldwide, with most of the top ten coming from this segment. While SUVs and crossovers were gaining ground, traditional hatchbacks and saloons like the Focus and Corolla remained the default choice for millions of buyers.
