Ford Performance Vehicles has reported its best monthly sales figures since the global financial crisis hit our shores, emerging as a strong sign that the local automotive industry is in recovery.

Monthly sales for December 2009 totalled 241 units, representing the best month since February 2008 when FPV shifted 244 vehicles.

“Considering the tough climate the industry has endured over the past 18 months, I am delighted with our strong finish to 2009. Hopefully this is a display of renewed confidence in the performance car market and will continue in 2010,” FPV’s General Manager Rod Barrett said.

Although the numbers are not quite the beacon of hope that they may seem, still falling well short of FPVs all-time sales record of 291 vehicles set in December 2007.

Furthermore, it seems FPV buyers are scaling back their purchases with the new entry-level GS forming the majority of sales for December with 59 vehicles sold, followed by the long-time brand favourite GT in second place with 44 units.

As evidence that Australians aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in these tough times, Ute sales in December 2009 were at an all-time high.

In total, 87 GS Utes, Pursuits, Super Pursuits and F6 Utes were sold, beating the previous best sales month in December 2007 by 15 units.