COLOGNE, Germany, June 10, 2014 – The biggest ever gathering of Ford Mustangs in Europe thrilled fans and owners from across Europe who met to celebrate 50 years of the iconic car and to witness the first unveiling of the new Ford Mustang in Germany.
More than 750 Mustangs representing half a century of continuous production were on show at the European Mustang Convention on June 7-8 this year held a short distance from Ford of Europe’s headquarters in Cologne. Mustang owners travelled from several countries, including Germany, U.K., Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic.
Attended by thousands of Mustang enthusiasts and guests from June 7-8, the European Mustang Convention was the 33rd International Mustang Meet organised by the First Mustang Club of Germany and this year for the first time featured an official presence from Ford, including the public German debut of the new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models. Both versions go on sale across Europe next year – marking the first time in 50 years Mustang will be sold in Europe.
“The number of vehicles and size of the crowds at the European Mustang Convention reflect both the passion for Mustang that exists in Europe and heritage of this global motoring and cultural icon,” said Joerg Beyer, executive engineering director, Ford of Europe “Ford is honoured that the Mustang community has chosen to celebrate the car’s 50th anniversary just a stone’s throw from our European headquarters.”
One hundred Mustang owners and their cars also made a special visit to the Ford of Europe headquarters and Ford Fiesta production facility prior to the two-day event, which included Concours d’Elegance judging, technical workshops, and the opportunity to win a vintage Mustang by participating in a raffle.
“Mustang clubs and owners from all corners of Europe have come together to celebrate the car with Mustang models representing all of its 50-year heritage on show, and to have Ford complete the display by unveiling the new Mustang is hugely exciting for all us enthusiasts,” said Ralf Wurm, president, First Mustang Club of Germany.
April 17, 2014, marked 50 years of continuous Mustang production; a milestone Ford celebrated by exhibiting an all-new Mustang convertible on the observation deck of New York’s iconic Empire State Building from April 16-17 – recreating a feat from nearly 50 years ago.
More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook with more than 7 million fans, Mustang also has made more than 3,200 appearances in film and on TV.
The sleek new design of Mustang Fastback and Convertible is backed up by world-class performance from engines including a new turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost delivering more than 309 PS and 407 Nm of torque, and a 5.0-litre V8 with more than 426 PS and 529 Nm of torque.
Ford made the first 500 new Mustang models for Europe featuring a special package available to reserve online during the UEFA Champions League Final on May 24. Five-hundred registrations to reserve were received in just the first 30 seconds, with 9,300 people registering during the game.
The new Mustang goes on full sale in Europe in 2015.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 183,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 50,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 69,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (13 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 11 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
