New Focus, new Mondeo and new C-MAX led the strikingly designed Ford cars which attracted over 67,600 customers to the blue oval brand last month. Ford's total in March, including new commercial vehicle registrations – principally Transit and Transit Connect, topped 83,600.

This sets a new record since bi-annual number plate changes were introduced in 1999, and underlines the desirability of the new kinetic Design models filling Ford showrooms. Dealerships are benefiting as a result of the surge in Ford sales to private customers, with rising numbers visiting showrooms.

Almost 37,000 Ford cars were delivered to private customers last month – an increase of more than six per cent on a year ago. Ford Focus continues its reign as the UK's top selling car. New Ford Mondeo models sporting "08" plates were ordered by a massive 80 per cent more private individuals than in March 2007. Ford's new C-MAX, also refreshed last year, surged 27 per cent in the retail market.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Last month was the first true test of the public's response to the new Ford range. A record sales month is the loud and clear answer I wanted to hear – and we still have the new Ford Kuga crossover, all new Ford Fiesta and all new Ka to come."

Customers are increasingly drawn to flagship derivatives such as Titanium and specifying high-tech options including Bluetooth ® and Voice Control for a wireless mobile-phone-to-car-audio connection. The majority of private new Mondeo sales are Titanium badged (56 per cent). One in three customers specify Bluetooth® and Voice Control in a new Ford Focus.

Drivers looking for the greenest Fords have driven up registrations of Ford Fiesta, Fusion and Focus models with emissions under 120g CO2/km by a third. Rising demand for the cars' ultra-frugal 1.4 and 1.6-litre TDCi engines – assembled at Dagenham Diesel Centre – has prompted the wind-powered plant to order a third turbine to ensure its continued renewable energy supply.

Ford Focus, along with C-MAX, also makes up 70 per cent of Ford's Motability business with disabled drivers – another sector led by Ford last month and where Ford's latest exciting models are increasing demand.