The second largest automaker in the U.S., Ford Motors (F, Financial), finally ended months of speculation, and started production of the 2015 Mustang in August at its Michigan Flat Rock-based facility. This will be the first time that the company will be shipping the model outside the U.S. to over 120 countries. This sixth generation of the Mustang appears to be a complete makeover from the earlier versions. The last revamp took place in 2010, and this is yet to happen for adding an international touch to the Ford model which has seen green pastures in the U.S. in the past decade. Let’s dive in to find out how Ford plans to make the makeover more appealing on the global platform. Here we go.
A quick look at the past
Ford initially launched the pioneer version of the Mustang in 1964, when it was portrayed as a stylish, compact car with an affordable price sticker. Remarkable was the initial order pull that was witnessed soon after its initial launch, when it bagged orders for 22,000 units on the very first day of its unveiling. This figure was quite impressive considering Ford had initially planned to sell around 100,000 units annually.
In 1967, General Motors (GM, Financial) launched a small four-seat American performance coupe named the Chevrolet Camaro to compete with Ford’s "pony-car." The two cars were perfect rivals, and both had sporty features and optional V8 engines to entice car buyers. Ford led the race ahead of General Motors until 2006, after which it saw a fall in sales, and the 2010 remodeled Camaro has overtaken the former in terms of sales since its launch in 2010. So, will this revamped version help in revival of the Ford Mustang sales? Let’s try to get the appropriate answer from the next section.
Changes under the skin for Mustang
For the first time, the Mustang model would feature independent rear suspension, ensuring that the 2015 version will be able to do more than drive in a straight line. It will be offered with a new Ecoboost four-cylinder engine, the first four-banger in the Mustang since 1993. Therefore, Ford seems to be redefining the rules of engagement when it comes to the performance of the cars.
This new type of engine will help in enhancing fuel economy and would also reduce the level of carbon emissions considerably. Also, it comes with a much sleeker design, prominent dual grill and an upgraded V8 engine – the major highlights for the refurbished model.
The model would be heavier than the 2014 model, as it has bigger brakes and independent rear suspension, which can facilitate superior wheel control and make the driver cruise smoothly even on bumpy roads. Scheduled to hit the roads by this fall, the model is priced around $24,425, 4.7% higher than 2014’s base model.
New plans in place
To date, the Mustang was sold only in North America but soon it will be available across the globe, thus reinforcing its sales chart. The IHS Automotive consulting wing feels that the 2015 version looks like a traditional American design and has a number of attractive features to lure customers. The company has plans of exporting the model to Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa by early next year.
The initial demand for the Mustang globally has been pretty impressive with 500 bookings happening in Europe in just 30 seconds. The American Ford’s model popularity can be measured from Ford’s COO Mark Field’s observation that more than half of the fans of Mustang are foreigners on Facebook. This is a good indicator of the hot demand for the car on a global plane, and as Ford has reduced its cost of manufacturing considerably it makes the exports more attractive.
Something worth noting is that Ford earns roughly 40% of its revenue outside the U.S., from South America, EMEA, and the Asia-Pacific regions. If Mustang gains quick popularity in these regions as is being anticipated, Ford's sales could rise up a notch.
Final thoughts
How the Mustang-Camaro sales shape up after the 2015 Mustang hits the city roads, we will understand in due course. But the future of Mustang’s new version looks pretty promising with many impressive features and a wider market reach. Let’s stay tuned and keep watching how the automaker makes inroads into the global markets with the 2015 Ford Mustang and adds to its growing sales on a global scale.
