Popular Sports Car
Mustang is finally coming to India and we are really looking forward to see it for the first time at the Auto Expo 2016NEW DELHI: Ford Mustang has been the best-selling sports car in the United States over the last 50 years, and now, thanks to growth in international markets, the iconic pony car has become the most popular sports car in the world, according to Ford analysis of IHS Markit new vehicle registration data in the sports car segment, the company said in a press release.
Mustang expanded its sales lead in 2016 as the world’s best-selling sports car with more than 150, 000 Mustangs sold, according to IHS Markit new vehicle registration data. Overall global sales increased 6 percent over 2015, fueled by international market growth up 101 percent with almost 45, 000 Mustang vehicles sold outside the United States.
Mustang’s ascension was driven largely by continued global rollout that saw big sales gains in Germany and China, as well as the car’s introduction to smaller nations such as New Caledonia, Gibraltar and Bonaire. Sales in 2016 were up 74 percent over 2015, according to IHS Markit new vehicle registrations.
“The legacy of Mustang continues to grow, and in places it never reached before, ” said Mark Schaller, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “We continue to make it available in new markets, and drivers in those markets continue to respond with resounding approval.”
For decades many global Mustang enthusiasts went to great lengths to get their hands on Ford’s fast, sports car. Hence, Ford decided that in 2015 it would take its Mustang to markets across the world.
Ford’s data shows more than 395, 000 sixth-generation Mustangs have been produced at Flat Rock assembly plant since 2015 and of that, 98, 000 have been shipped to customers outside of the United States. From 2015 to 2016, Ford doubled the percentage of exports to 17.5 percent and the company expects export growth to continue, reaching 30 percent for the 2017 Mustang.
This year, availability of the 2018 Mustang will expand to six new countries, including Brazil, the Palau Islands and the Ivory Coast, with three additional markets announced later.
For 2018, Mustang will sport an athletic look highlighted by new front and rear design, more advanced technologies such as an available 12-inch all-digital instrument panel, and the availability of improved performance features such as an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, MagneRide damping system and new active valve performance exhaust system.
