BOLD RIDE
Ever since it arrived on the American automotive scene in 1964, the iconic Ford Mustang has remained a popular choice among US pony car fans. With the global rollout of the latest sixth-generation ‘Stang however, America’s famed sports coupe has now become the world’s favorite as well.
Even more impressive still, in an announcement on Wednesday, Ford noted that the Mustang is still available in only limited numbers in some of its 140 global markets, which include the United Kingdom and China.
“U.S. consumers have enjoyed interesting foreign sports cars for decades, so it was time for the Americans to return the favor with the worldwide launch of the new Mustang,” notes Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Global markets have responded in a huge way.”
Of interesting note, the new Ford Mustang is said to be currently sold out in Australia through the 2017 model year, and an extra 2,000 models will be sent to the continent to satisfy demand.
In the announcement, Ford has also revealed some of the buying habits of its international markets. For example, Chinese buyers favor the 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustangs the most, likely due to prohibitively higher taxes on larger displacement engines in the country.
By contrast, over 90 percent of Mustangs sold in Australia and New Zealand feature the V8 engine, despite relatively high fuel prices. German customers also claim high demand for V8 Mustang, as well as the highest take-rate for Mustang convertibles with one-in-three ‘Stangs sold.
“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-liter EcoBoost engine, buyers in other countries prefer the V8,” he says. “That unmistakable V8 warble is a hot commodity outside the U.S.”
Domestically, the Mustang outsold the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger through the first quarter of 2016, though time will tell whether the 2016 Camaro’s all-new redesign will allow it to eclipse the strong-selling Ford.
No comments:
Post a Comment