Ford Philippines Group (FGP) expects to post its biggest domestic growth in sales so far of 20 percent and exports of 10 percent this year in a market which is projected to sell over 160,000 units industry, the highest since 1997 given the strong rebound in sales and a strong domestic economy.

This was the assessment of FGP outgoing president Rick Baker during a media in which he announced his replacement by Ford Japan President Randy Krieger as the new president of FGP. Baker will be taking over the Ford China post.

“With no economic interruption we hope to grow by 20 percent this year and for the industry to breach the 160,000 unit sales this year,” Baker said.

In April this year, FGP sales (Ford and Mazda vehicles) posted a 30 percent increase versus March 2010.

This is the first time in FGP history in to go beyond 1,000 units sales in a single month. Compared to April last year, FGP grew by 104 percent.