Ford has announced the extension of its diesel scrappage scheme into the first quarter of 2018.

The success of the scheme, which also applies to commercial vehicles, has seen over 10,500 vehicles scrapped and replaced and includes the Ranger pick-up, all-new Fiesta, Focus and Transit CV models.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “The Ford scrappage scheme has been so well received by our customers and I’m pleased to announce its extension in to next year.

“We have an excellent product line-up and our scheme is applicable to one of the broadest ranges of vehicles, including the segment leading Ford Ranger.”

Figures released by the SMMT showed that year-to-date (end November) total UK car sales were 2,338,144, down 5% compared with the same period in 2016. Ford car sales for the period were 271,855.

At 11.7 per cent, Ford’s November retail car sales share was 3.9ppts ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.7%, a lead of 4.1ppts.

UK commercial vehicle sales in November were down 11.1 per cent at 26,486, compared with November 2016. At 8,748, total sales of Ford CVs were up 1.1 per cent, compared with November 2016.

Barratt said: “We continue to carry strong sales momentum as we move towards the end of the year.”