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Ford Mustang Is Best-Selling Sports Coupe Globally; European Demand for Iconic Pony Car Continues to Rise

  • Ford Mustang was the top-selling sports coupe worldwide in 2015, according to IHS Automotive registration data; 16,600 orders placed by customers in Europe
  • Ford sold around 110,000 Mustang fastbacks and around 30,000 Mustang convertibles in 2015; Mustang was Germany’s best-selling sports coupe in March
  • Once a North American phenomenon, Mustang is now on sale in 140 markets worldwide and was the only sports coupe globally to sell more than 100,000 units last year

 

COLOGNE, Germany, April 20, 2016 – In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe. Demand for the iconic car remains insatiable.

According to company analysis of the most recent registration data from IHS Automotive, Ford sold around 110,000 Mustang Coupes globally in 2015 – topping all other sports coupe competitors.

That record was achieved despite limited availability for most of the year in such key markets as the U.K. and China. Additionally, Ford sold around 30,000 Mustang convertibles, for total nameplate sales of 141,868 vehicles – making Mustang far and away the best-selling two-door sports car in the world.

“U.S. consumers have enjoyed interesting foreign sports cars for decades, so it was time for the Americans to return the favour with the worldwide launch of the new Mustang,” says Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Global markets have responded in a huge way. Ford Mustang was the only sports coupe in the world with more than 100,000 units registered last year.”

Global data for 2015 suggests Mustang has room to grow overseas this year as many markets begin to take delivery of their full allotment. So far, Merkle notes, global customers are most interested in V8-equipped Mustangs.

“While much of the growth in Mustang demand in the United States has come from coastal markets – especially Southern California – and millennials opting for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, buyers in other countries prefer the V8,” he says. “That unmistakable V8 warble is a hot commodity outside the U.S.”

Mustang in Europe
To date, more than 16,600 customers in Europe have ordered a Ford Mustang, which went on sale across the region for the first time last summer. Shipments from Flat Rock Assembly Plant, U.S., began in the latter half of 2015. Of the 13,000 sold last year, 4,700 are now in customer hands.

Several significant markets, including the U.K., began selling Mustang in the fourth quarter. Total sales in the U.K. have topped 3,500 cars, with the first 1,000 cars delivered to customers in March.

In Germany, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in March, according to data published by German Federal Motor Transport Authority, KBA. The 5.0-litre V8 is the No. 1 engine choice in Germany. The country also has the highest international take-rate for the convertible model, with one in three sales.

Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe last month in France, according to data from the Association Auxilliaire de l’Automobile.

Mustang is offered in Europe with Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 421 PS, or the more fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering 317 PS. Both are available with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The 5.0-litre V8 fastback manual model reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standing start in 4.8 seconds, and the 2.3-litre EcoBoost fastback manual reaches the marker in 5.8 seconds.

Three new Mustang colours will later this spring be available to order in Europe – White Platinum, Grabber Blue and Lightning Blue – and Mustang will feature Ford’s new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system from the summer.

Global reach through Asia, Middle East and Africa
In fourth-quarter 2015, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in China as exports made their way to dealerships in volume, according to IHS registration data. Buyers in China favour EcoBoost versions.

In its first three months on sale in Australia, Mustang ranks as the best-selling sports coupe. Demand is so strong, the pony car was initially sold out through 2017, but an additional 2,000 Mustangs are slated to ship Down Under by the end of this year.

More than 90 per cent of buyers in Australia and New Zealand are opting for the V8 version. Incremental sales in South Africa, Cyprus and Malta are helping boost Mustang volume.

Mustang maintains leadership in North America
In March, Mustang sales of 12,563 cars in the U.S. outperformed sales of 12,248 for the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger combined, according to published figures. Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in the U.S. for all of 2015 and through the first quarter of 2016, according to industry-reported numbers.

In Canada, Mustang has outsold Camaro every year since 1985, according to data from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association. And in Mexico, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe last year, according to IHS registration data. Mustang sales were up 176 per cent in Mexico in 2015 versus 2014.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Mich. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, 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 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 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 (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 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.

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