Early Mustang orders boost Ford outlook

The long anticipated introduction of the imported Mustang coupe and convertible to the local market is set to begin within months. And according to the Blue Oval, somewhere in the vicinity of 2000 customers have put their names forward to purchase one of the new Pony Cars.

From later this year Ford Australia will market the Mustang here in both bodystyles, with a choice of EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (displacing 2.3 litres) or an all-alloy naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Ford will offer manual and automatic transmissions, with a Performance Pack option additionally available with both drivetrain variants.

According to Ford's own 'gallop poll', the sales split here will favour automatic and V8-powered coupes, at about 42 per cent. Among enthusiasts, one has ordered six examples, and a rental car company has ordered 20. The orders began to assemble after Ford confirmed colours and specifications ahead of the new car's launch.

"We are so excited to launch Mustang in Australia and see how people respond to its iconic, magical looks and performance," said Graeme Whickman, President Ford Australia.

"Just like in America, we are seeing great early demand for the V8 GT models. But, we think the EcoBoost model will be a bigger seller longer term and help sustain sales longer than most performance cars as people see its great combination of performance and fuel economy."

This new model is the first occasion Ford has truly developed a Mustang for right-hand drive countries like Australia, as well as left-hand drive markets such as its home turf in North America. Ford had previously sold Mustang here, but both generations (in the early 1960s and the early 2000s) were converted to right-hand drive in Australia. The local arm has been testing left-hand drive examples of the new Mustang around its Lara Proving Ground near Geelong.

After years of declining sales for its locally-built large-car Falcon and Territory SUV ranges in Australia, Ford is reinventing itself as a fully-imported line ahead of the end for manufacturing at Campbellfield and Geelong. New product to support the company's bold plans include the Mustang, the new Ranger-based Everest SUV, new Mondeo and updated Focus ST.