Mustang orders reach 6000

Mustang could outsell Falcon this year. That’s the amazing stat that’s emerged from the latest news from Ford Australia.

When Ford Australia launched the new Mustang in November it said it held 4000 pre-orders. Now five months later, the Blue Oval has revealed it now holds around 6000 signed-up customers.

Ford Australia president Graeme Whickman told motoring.com.au at this week's Falcon XR Sprint launch that the waiting list for the company's first global Mustang now stretches out to late next year.

"We said previously the [Mustang] waiting list was out to early next year. That is now looking like mid to late next year," he said.

"When we talked about having 4000 orders, that number has increased significantly. And when I'm talking significantly I'm talking not in the hundreds," Whickman stated.

Although Ford will deliver less than 4000 Mustangs this year, it could still outperform Ford's home-grown Falcon in its final year.

Mustang sales topped Falcon sales in January (389 to 235), but fell slightly short in February (356 v 421). With Falcon production due to end in October, however, at that rate it will notch up just 3280 sales this year. Ford Australia's long-time best-seller was Australia's most popular new car in 1995.

Whickman would not nominate a Falcon sales figure for its final seven months, and would not predict whether the Mustang will outsell it.

"Maybe, maybe not," he said.

Falcon production ends on October 7, when the last car off the Broadmeadows line is likely to be a Falcon, rather than a Territory.

"I think it's fair to say the last car of the line will be a Falcon, but we have to talk to our workers about it," said Whickman.

Ford's local chief said that such is the demand for Mustang, that managing customer expectations was now the focus.

"It [the waiting list] is getting bigger and so the challenge for us customer handling," he said, adding that Ford was still asking for an increased allocation from the US.

"We've got our hands up for more. We're a priority market in the world and we're working with them to get more, as we are with Focus RS and Ranger Wildtrack.

"It's a great place to be and we're working hard, but Mustang demand has exceeded supply. The number is now close to 6000," he Ford boss said.

The V8-powered Mustang continues to dominate orders, with just 12 per cent of customers opting for the turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost.

Ford has already increased Mustang pricing, with base pricing now $45,990 and some models up by $2500.

However, Whickman said the Mustang will remain an accessible performance car.

"We're watching that very closely. We'll always be exposed to exchange rates, but we always want it to remain an affordable pony car," he said.