Sky's The Limit For Spring Mustang Sales

[cobrabitn]

SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR SPRING MUSTANG SALES

DEARBORN, April 2, 2007 -- After a spur-of-the-moment decision in celebration of spring, Katy Long drove home from Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Mich. in a new 2007 Ford Mustang GT convertible.

"I have always wanted a convertible, that's absolutely what it is," says the 26-year-old automotive lease renewal specialist, who took delivery of a dark grey Mustang GT. "I wanted to make the best of the upcoming spring and summer, so I decided to make the move and I'm thrilled with it."

It is that time of year again when convertible lovers, even first-time owners like Long, take to the road to enjoy the open air and a renewed feeling of adventure. Convertible season is upon us.

"In many markets, customers are emerging from the thaw and have a renewed interest in life and convertibles," said George Pipas, Ford manager, U.S. Sales Analysis and Reporting. "Springtime has always been a part of Mustang's magic since it was introduced in April of 1964."

Pipas says when it comes to Mustang convertible sales, the so-called "spring selling season" actually extends well into August.

"That six-month period (March thru August) represents more than two-thirds of Mustang convertible sales," Pipas said. "Roughly one in every four Mustangs we sell is a convertible, and that is essentially the case, year in and year out."

At Galpin Ford in North Hills, Calif., convertible season lasts most of the year. Galpin is the leading Ford dealer in Mustang sales and recently dedicated a portion of its showroom exclusively to the pony car.

"We had talked about doing something special with Mustang for a while," said Al Joseph, Galpin sales manager. "Arguably, this most recent redesign (2005 model year) has been one of the most successful Mustangs ever. I think it resonated with Mustang buyers in a way that we haven't seen since the first time it was introduced."

"A large part of the Mustang mystique is its consistency over time," said Robert Parker, Ford Division car marketing manager. "Great brands that deliver a consistent message over a long period of time are the ones that become the most iconic. One could argue it (Mustang) is among the strongest brands in the world, as it relates to automotive."

Coming off of back-to-back 160,000 units sales levels in 2005 and 2006, Mustang sales are down 19 percent in the early going this year. But, according to Pipas, some context is in order.

"While Mustang sales are indeed down, sales in the small sports car segment are off nearly 40 percent overall," Pipas said. "Plus, Mustang's share of the segment has actually grown during that same period to more than 50 percent."

"We're moving into our third full year with this current body style and we've been able to maintain Mustang's sales momentum," said Dan Geist, Mustang marketing manager.

Geist says one way Ford is keeping Mustang relevant is through the introduction of special-edition models, like the 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500, dubbed the most powerful factory-built Mustang in history. And this week, the new Ford Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) edition is set to make its debut at the New York International Auto Show.

"Mustang remains the authentic American muscle car," said Geist. "In fact, Mustang is the only one of the original vintage sports cars from the 1960s that lives on into the 21st century with no interruption in production."

The direction of the American auto industry changed forever on April 17, 1964, when a very different kind of car was first unveiled to the public at the New York World's Fair.

A car that, decades later, still can excite first-time buyers when the weather gets warm.

[SuperG]

And here in Houston, we can drive our Verts for 11.25 months of the year. Winter sets in for a couple of weeks and it rains for a week.

[blk04cobra1]

I just wish they'd come off sticker a little more, then i'd pick one of them up as well

[puzzle13]

buy one in November or December and they will come off the price a lot!