Ford has managed to strengthen its sales lead over Vauxhall in September's new car registrations charts.

Ford car sales in September were 51,084, up from 47,370 in September 2012.

For the year to date Ford car sales were 249,017, up from 224,369 for the same period in 2012.  Ford total vehicle sales, which include LCVs, were 61,651 up from 57,818 in September 2012.

Ford's share of retail car sales in September was up 0.1 of a percentage point at 12.6%, compared with September 2012, and for the year to date retail share was up 1.0 percentage points at 13.3%, compared with the same period in 2012.

Ford Fiesta was the UK best-seller in September with increased sales, compared with September 2012.  Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus are the number one and two best-sellers for the year to date - both models have increased sales and share, compared with the same period in 2012.

Sales success across the Ford car range in 2013 has seen the Ford Ka, Fiesta, B-Max, Focus, C-Max and Kuga all increase sales and share for the year to date, compared with the same period in 2012.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Industry sales have grown steadily in the UK this year and as Ford sales have increased so has our sales lead over our nearest rival.

"Ford's market leadership is founded on our best-ever vehicle range supported by the expertise of Ford Credit and our outstanding UK dealer network.

"The strength of our appeal to private customers, who have driven up our share of more profitable retail sales, is testimony to the effectiveness of this combination."