High hopes: Ford’s new higher-riding crossover-style Focus Active hatch is expected to boost sales this year, although the Blue Oval brand continues to rely heavily on the Ranger ute.

-FORD Australia is expecting market share growth this year as the Blue Oval brand looks to hold a relatively firm position while many of its major rivals find the going tougher in a slowing economy.

-The latest industry data shows that Ford’s retail sales were in positive territory last month, its 5788 new registrations representing a 0.9 per cent increase over May last year and making it one of the few leading automotive brands with black ink next its name in the softening overall market.

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Market Insight: Ford positive with market position

Ford expects share growth this year as sales decline runs shallower than full market