According to new data from the Polk division of IHS Automotive, Ford Motor Co.’s (NYSE: F) Focus was the number one selling car worldwide in 2013, based on new car registrations. Registrations of the Focus were higher by 8.1%, based on 1,097,618 cars sold globally last year. The Focus held the top spot in 2012 as well.

China sales helped drive the numbers, with a 50% sales gain there in 2013. China registrations for the Focus rose to 403,219 vehicles, up from 268,354 in 2012. Ford has lagged traditional leaders General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) and Volkswagen in the People’s Republic. Ford management has begun several initiatives to close the gap, which include new manufacturing plants. Ford’s latest initiative involves a $300 million facility that will be operated with its joint venture partner JMC. Ford traditionally has been the number two car company in the United States based on sales. However, China has moved ahead of the U.S. as the world’s largest market. Ford needs a success there, particularly because its sales in the European Union have been badly undermined, mostly by the economic downturn.

Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Ford Motor Company Global Marketing, said:

It is remarkable to see Focus again lead the industry as the No. 1-selling vehicle nameplate on the planet. With the new car, we’ve raised the bar again, showcasing Ford’s commitment to continuous improvement — adding better technology for drivers and a sleeker, more modern exterior across the entire Focus family.

Ford will launch new versions of the Focus four-door sedan and Focus Electric at next week’s 2014 New York International Auto Show.

Ford also said the Polk data showed that the Ford Fiesta was the top-selling subcompact worldwide. The car company announced:

Ford’s analysis of Polk new vehicle registrations also confirms Ford Fiesta earned the top spot as the best-selling subcompact car globally, with 735,299 registrations for 2013.

Together, registrations of Ford’s small cars — Fiesta and Focus — totaled 1,832,917 vehicles last year, which is a 4.3 percent increase from 2012.

Ford continues to chase global sales leaders VW, GM and Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM). It will need more successes like the Focus if it hopes to catch them.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.