FORD is increasing the price of its cars and commercial vehicles by an average 0.9% from Monday, August 17. The manufacturer blamed the rise on increased costs across the board, but stressed that its average prices had increased in the last 12 months by 2.0% compared with an inflation rate over the last year of 3.7%.

Orders placed prior to Monday will be price protected and the manufacturer has said the increase will not apply to existing stock at dealerships in August. The price rise does not affect the Ka, Escort Finesse, Mondeo Verona, Scorpio, Explorer, Maverick, Fiesta Van, Courier and Maverick Van.

Sample new on-the-road prices with previous prices in brackets are: Fiesta 3dr 1.3 Finesse £8,315 (£8,450), Mondeo 5dr 1.8 LX £15,520 (£15,680), Puma 1.7 £14,725 (£14,825), Galaxy 2.3 GLX £19,520 (£19,680).