the Mustang's chief engineer talked about me!
11/3/04 | 08:14 AM
#1
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Ford sees Mustang demand in Europe
By Richard Truett
Automotive News / November 02, 2004
LAS VEGAS -- The 2005 Mustang may be the one Ford Motor Co. North American vehicle that could generate some excitement for Ford's struggling European operations.
At least some Europeans are clamoring for the reborn sports car, which bears a close resemblance to the classic 1969-70 Mach I. The very first retail sale of a 2005 Mustang went to a German couple who bought the car in California and shipped it back to Germany, said Hau Thai-Tang, the Mustang's chief engineer.
Mustang team members met with Ford of Europe officials, Thai-Tang said, to see if there was a business case for the new Mustang to be sold there. With the rise of diesel engines, regulatory requirements and other factors, Ford officials decided they likely could not generate and sustain enough sales.
But during a panel discussion ahead of the opening of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Thai-Tang said he believes Ford officials should re-examine that decision.
"We just weren't able to convince them that there was a compelling market slot for the Mustang of any sustained volume," said Thai-Tang. "In hindsight, maybe it is something we should look at again." he said.
The new Mustang, with its muscular looks, powerful engines and affordable price, is shaping up to be the most popular version of the long-running pony car in decades. Ford expects to build about 160,000 Mustangs in 2005 and sell them all with a few or no incentives.
The car's performance, price and striking looks have attracted attention overseas.
"There is quite a bit of interest in Europe," said Thai-Tang. "I attended some shows in the United Kingdom. The only analogy I can give is it would be like us going to a Beatles-fest. All of these Brits showed up flying the confederate flag, wearing cowboy boots and had country music blasting. They were showing off their Mustangs."
If Ford does decide to export the Mustang to Europe, it won't be the first time. Back in the mid 1960s, the original version was so popular, Ford created a separate model for Europe, named it the T5, and sold it in Great Britain, Germany and other European countries.
By Richard Truett
Automotive News / November 02, 2004
LAS VEGAS -- The 2005 Mustang may be the one Ford Motor Co. North American vehicle that could generate some excitement for Ford's struggling European operations.
At least some Europeans are clamoring for the reborn sports car, which bears a close resemblance to the classic 1969-70 Mach I. The very first retail sale of a 2005 Mustang went to a German couple who bought the car in California and shipped it back to Germany, said Hau Thai-Tang, the Mustang's chief engineer.
Mustang team members met with Ford of Europe officials, Thai-Tang said, to see if there was a business case for the new Mustang to be sold there. With the rise of diesel engines, regulatory requirements and other factors, Ford officials decided they likely could not generate and sustain enough sales.
But during a panel discussion ahead of the opening of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Thai-Tang said he believes Ford officials should re-examine that decision.
"We just weren't able to convince them that there was a compelling market slot for the Mustang of any sustained volume," said Thai-Tang. "In hindsight, maybe it is something we should look at again." he said.
The new Mustang, with its muscular looks, powerful engines and affordable price, is shaping up to be the most popular version of the long-running pony car in decades. Ford expects to build about 160,000 Mustangs in 2005 and sell them all with a few or no incentives.
The car's performance, price and striking looks have attracted attention overseas.
"There is quite a bit of interest in Europe," said Thai-Tang. "I attended some shows in the United Kingdom. The only analogy I can give is it would be like us going to a Beatles-fest. All of these Brits showed up flying the confederate flag, wearing cowboy boots and had country music blasting. They were showing off their Mustangs."
If Ford does decide to export the Mustang to Europe, it won't be the first time. Back in the mid 1960s, the original version was so popular, Ford created a separate model for Europe, named it the T5, and sold it in Great Britain, Germany and other European countries.
11/3/04 | 11:22 AM
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Nice work with the stripes Peter! Makes the white Stang into a killer! 
oooh....if only Hau's thinking comes true! As a European I say, sure the majority of sales on the continent are diesel powered, but not for this category of car! The fuel bill will be large, but the Mustang isn't extreme. Consider instead of buying a new S4 or even M3, you buy a Mustang. The difference in gas consumption is negligible. And considering what you save on the Mustang GT, you have a whole stack of extra € to burn gas for.
(and should it really come down to requiring a diesel option, Ford does have some high-powered ones already that could suit the Mustang..although I'd consider it blashpemy...)
Ford should seriously consider this. With those looks, the improved overall quality, that engine and a boost in public performance car interest, there is a market here.
Pleeeeease. :worship:
oooh....if only Hau's thinking comes true! As a European I say, sure the majority of sales on the continent are diesel powered, but not for this category of car! The fuel bill will be large, but the Mustang isn't extreme. Consider instead of buying a new S4 or even M3, you buy a Mustang. The difference in gas consumption is negligible. And considering what you save on the Mustang GT, you have a whole stack of extra € to burn gas for.
(and should it really come down to requiring a diesel option, Ford does have some high-powered ones already that could suit the Mustang..although I'd consider it blashpemy...)Ford should seriously consider this. With those looks, the improved overall quality, that engine and a boost in public performance car interest, there is a market here.
Pleeeeease. :worship:
11/3/04 | 12:05 PM
#13
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Originally posted by JustAnotherDude@November 3, 2004, 12:25 PM
Nice work with the stripes Peter! Makes the white Stang into a killer!
oooh....if only Hau's thinking comes true! As a European I say, sure the majority of sales on the continent are diesel powered, but not for this category of car! The fuel bill will be large, but the Mustang isn't extreme. Consider instead of buying a new S4 or even M3, you buy a Mustang. The difference in gas consumption is negligible. And considering what you save on the Mustang GT, you have a whole stack of extra € to burn gas for. (and should it really come down to requiring a diesel option, Ford does have some high-powered ones already that could suit the Mustang..although I'd consider it blashpemy...)
Ford should seriously consider this. With those looks, the improved overall quality, that engine and a boost in public performance car interest, there is a market here.
Pleeeeease. :worship:
Nice work with the stripes Peter! Makes the white Stang into a killer!
oooh....if only Hau's thinking comes true! As a European I say, sure the majority of sales on the continent are diesel powered, but not for this category of car! The fuel bill will be large, but the Mustang isn't extreme. Consider instead of buying a new S4 or even M3, you buy a Mustang. The difference in gas consumption is negligible. And considering what you save on the Mustang GT, you have a whole stack of extra € to burn gas for.
(and should it really come down to requiring a diesel option, Ford does have some high-powered ones already that could suit the Mustang..although I'd consider it blashpemy...)Ford should seriously consider this. With those looks, the improved overall quality, that engine and a boost in public performance car interest, there is a market here.
Pleeeeease. :worship:
11/3/04 | 12:17 PM
#14
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Suits me fine if they keep it out of Europe, one of the best things about the Mustang for me is its rarity this side of the Atlantic. This is even more relevant in the UK where of course we have the steering wheel on the wrong side.
If it is officially imported to the UK I wager that the price will be $50000 (there are independent importers asking this already)
Keep it Stateside & for us enthusiasts over here, our little secret.
btw, Congrats Peter on being the first, I am very jealous.
If it is officially imported to the UK I wager that the price will be $50000 (there are independent importers asking this already)
Keep it Stateside & for us enthusiasts over here, our little secret.
btw, Congrats Peter on being the first, I am very jealous.
11/3/04 | 02:55 PM
#17
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Originally posted by NewPony05@November 3, 2004, 3:54 PM
diesel, no thanks. I don't even like thinking about cars with diesels. I still have images of trucks anytime someone says diesel.
diesel, no thanks. I don't even like thinking about cars with diesels. I still have images of trucks anytime someone says diesel.
11/3/04 | 03:06 PM
#19
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11/3/04 | 03:12 PM
#20
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Originally posted by Peter1966@November 3, 2004, 9:17 AM
If Ford does decide to export the Mustang to Europe, it won't be the first time. Back in the mid 1960s, the original version was so popular, Ford created a separate model for Europe, named it the T5, and sold it in Great Britain, Germany and other European countries.
If Ford does decide to export the Mustang to Europe, it won't be the first time. Back in the mid 1960s, the original version was so popular, Ford created a separate model for Europe, named it the T5, and sold it in Great Britain, Germany and other European countries.
