GET set for a return to horsepower…the new Ford Mustang has arrived.
The first customer cars landed in the country today, arriving at Melbourne’s Appleton Dock. Three more ships carrying customer cars are expected within days.
Ford and its dealers across Australia have been inundated with inquiries and demand for the all-new Mustang Fastback and Convertible, with the order bank for one of the world’s most recognisable cars now sitting about 4000 vehicles with more than 80% paid deposits. These orders account for the first full year of vehicles to be sold in Australia through 2016.
“We are simply overwhelmed and humbled by the reception to Mustang thus far, which is probably our closest equivalent to the Beatles first trip to Australia,” Ford President and CEO, Graeme Whickman said.
“The Mustang also punctuates a landmark year for Ford where we launched a huge number of new vehicles – including the Australian-designed and developed Everest SUV and Ranger – while investing more locally than any other automaker with more than $300 million in R&D alone.”
The right-hand drive Ford Mustangs will come in Fastback or Convertible guise, feature a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost or 5.0-litre V8 engine, and start at $44,990 for a six-speed manual Fastback four-potter.
The range will top out at $63,990 for the GT 5.0 V8 Convertible with six-speed automatic.
After Mustang pricing was confirmed early this year, Ford saw a spike in interest and deposits, with more than 20,000 people putting their hands up to be kept informed about the new car.
And for those who already put their money down, that have saved some coin. From yesterday there was a $1000 price increase on the 2.3 Litre EcoBoost and a $2500 price increase on the 5.0-litre V8.
“Our Mustang story has been one of the core vehicles in all our activities this year as a halo for the brand. We put a Mustang Convertible on top of one of the key buildings in Circular Quay in Sydney next to the Sydney Opera House for New Year’s eve celebrations and the images of that car went around the world,” Whickman said.
Like North America, overwhelming early interest has been in the V8 GT models, with 86% of customers favouring the V8. However, once the initial order banks are filled, Ford expects the EcoBoost models to be popular with customers who value performance but have an eye on fuel efficiency.
A similar situation surrounds the Fastback and Convertible split. There has also been more initial demand for the Fastback over Convertible, with around 88 per cent of Australian customers opting for the Fastback.
Visually, the all-new Mustang is unmistakable in its clean-sheet design. It has kept its classic shape, with a long sculpted hood and short rear deck, but with contemporary changes.
source:northernstar.com.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 