Production of 10-Millionth Ford Mustang a Proud Day for Chicagoland Ford Dealers
On Wednesday, Ford celebrated the production of its 10-millionth Mustang - America's best-selling sports car over the last 50 years and an icon, both across the world and in Chicagoland.
The 10-millionth Ford Mustang is a Wimbledon White GT V8 model convertible built at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The first Mustang produced in 1964 was the same color and model.
"Mustang evokes an emotional response in people that other vehicles don't," said John Hennessy, owner of River View Ford in Oswego, Ill. "Seeing the excitement in someone's face when they drive their first Mustang or reminisce about their first time in a pony car - that's the fun part of our business. For a Mustang owner, it's not about price or trade-in value, it's about getting behind the wheel and becoming a different person."
Ford is celebrating the day with employee celebrations at its Dearborn headquarters and its Flat Rock Assembly Plant, flyovers from three WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter planes and a parade of Mustangs throughout the ages driving from Dearborn to Flat Rock, where the Mustang is currently manufactured. Other plants that produced the Mustang included San Jose, CA, Metuchen (Edison Assembly), N.J. and the original Mustang production facility in Dearborn, Mich.
Also participating in the parade of Mustangs is the first Ford Mustang ever sold, which was purchased by Park Ridge, Ill. teacher Gail Wise in 1964, days before it was scheduled to go on sale. She and her husband still own the vehicle today.
In Chicago, the appetite for Mustang is strong. Mustang sales have increased more than 8 percent over last year, with an 18% growth in sales to women over the past three years. The vehicle represents more than 30 percent of the local sports car segment, up from 24% last year. This week's milestone further solidifies that love for the American icon is stronger than ever.
Still America's best-selling sports car
Based on Ford analysis of 1966-2018 total U.S. new vehicle cumulative registrations for all sports car segments supplied by IHS Markit, Mustang is America's best-selling sports car over the last 50 years (IHS Markit registration data only goes back to 1966). This includes Mustang and Mustang II.
More Mustang performance and personalization coming for 2019
The best-selling sports car gets new technology and special editions for 2019. The iconic Mustang BULLITT returns with an exclusive 480-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, plus distinctive design and trim. Classic California Special returns with design and trim enhancements.
Rev-matching downshifts come to the 6-speed Mustang GT, while EcoBoost® gets an optional quad-tip fully active exhaust. All-new custom-tuned 1,000-watt B&O PLAY high-performance sound system and available Apple CarPlay™ compatibility for Ford+Alexa and Waze via SYNC® 3 will satisfy audiophiles.
Mustang Shelby GT350® ascends to a new level of greatness on the track and off with custom-engineered Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, plus recalibrated ABS and MagneRide™ suspension for dramatically improved traction and lateral acceleration. Other highlights include new interior appointments and optional factory-painted stripes. An available tech package includes all-new custom-tuned, high-performance 12-speaker sound from B&O PLAY, plus heated mirrors with Blind Spot Information System and Cobra puddle lamps.
The Ford Mustang, now in its sixth generation, is one of the most iconic cars ever produced.
In addition to its sales leadership, the Mustang page has more likes on Facebook than any other vehicle nameplate.
Timeline of Mustang Development
1965 Shelby GT350 introduced; Mustang 2+2 with full fastback roof debuts
1968 Mustang 390 GT stars with Steve McQueen in "Bullitt", 428 Cobra Jet engine debuts
1969 High-performance Boss 302 and Boss 429 introduced
1974 Mustang II debuts
1979 Euro-styled "Fox" platform Mustang debuts - without traditional styling
1982 Mustang GT returns after 12-year absence
1984 Mustang SVO debuts
1993 Limited production SVT Mustang Cobra debuts
1996 4.6-liter Modular V8 replaces 5.0-liter engine in GT and SVT Cobras
2000 Third SVT Mustang Cobra R
2003 Mustang Mach 1 model returns with ram-air "Shaker" hood scoop
2011 All-new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter Coyote V8 Mustang GT debuts
2012 First Boss 302 since 1971 returns with 440 horsepower V8
2015 All-new 6th generation Mustang, first with independent rear suspension
2016 Shelby350/GT350R with flat-plane crank 5.2-liter V8
2018 Gen. 3 5.0-liter Coyote engine and new Performance Package I and II
2019 Limited-edition Bullitt Mustang capable of 163 mph
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.