Mustangs not selling?

06GT · Sep 15, 2005

dmaxstang said:
Really and truly, who went to the lot going "whoa i can't wait to get one of those new V6 mustangs!!!!" I know i didn't!!!

apparently not you and not anyone else either! My dealer has easily 15 v6 Mustangs, maybe 20 all lined up out front.. and hardly a GT to be seen anywhere.

no v6 autos for me!

At least mine is built as of this week [yeay!] and delivery is expected the week of 9/28..

Alec · Sep 15, 2005

tom281 said:
Big motivational problem right now is gas prices. The average person that sees a new Mustang, either V6 or V8, thinks "race car" or "performance car" and that to them equals bad gas mileage. People don't believe me when I tell them that I average 23-24 MPG in my GT (driving like my grandma, anyway ).

Hit that nail on the head. People are seeing the future and the mustang doesn't fit the "good on gas" profile.

kevins05v-6 · Sep 15, 2005

dmaxstang said:
IMO Ford screwed up by producing a V6 model. What is the necessity of a car with less horsepower, a girly sound, and a sissy look when you can have what you want for a few thousand bucks extra. Really and truly, who went to the lot going "whoa i can't wait to get one of those new V6 mustangs!!!!" I know i didn't!!! Produce the right car at the right price and demand will increase. WTF come on Ford. Of course it does make my GT more valuable for resale. Just a thought.

ahhh yeah, please tell me you are joking!
and actually yes i did say "i cant wait to get a new V-6 stang"..
Why you ask, so we could have "his and hers" Mustangs....

dmaxstang · Sep 16, 2005

kevins05v-6 said:
ahhh yeah, please tell me you are joking!
and actually yes i did say "i cant wait to get a new V-6 stang"..
Why you ask, so we could have "his and hers" Mustangs....

I guess i don't follow, are you telling me that given the choice you wouldn't choose a pair of matching "his and hers" GT's? And if so, why? What is the fear of having the nicer, more powerful, etc... vehicle? is it beyond one of your controls or please explain because i can't think you wouldn't want the GT instead.
What is that true value to you of the V6, so i can maybe change my opinion?

dmaxstang · Sep 16, 2005

351CJ said:
Try leaving putting your male machoism aside for a few seconds.
Simple fact, without the V6 Mustang there would not be a V8 Mustang today as Ford would have discontinued the Mustang years ago.

Over the last 10 years V6 sales have been 68% and V8s 32%.

Ok, then exactly what has the production percentage been, and are you telling me that if the V8 production was higher it wouln't have sold every vehicle, or are you trying to tell me that only 32% of the v8s produced were sold?

Jenns01TA · Sep 16, 2005

Let's see...we can peek at the micro aspect of marketing a moment:

Countless hours are spent by large groups of market research individuals gauging the demographics applicable to any give product line. They are not always right 100% correct as economic influences can change consumer outlook and sentiment at any time.

Apply this principal to the V-6/V-8 demographic and YES, if Ford were to invert the production numbers, dmax, as you stated above, they would NOT make the amount of sales that they have to date.

Given that in the past fleet sales, as CJ pointed out earlier in the thread, have held a large percentage of initial V-6 sales, the largest demographic (Thanks to Lee Iacocca) that Ford has marketed its V-6 line to has been WOMEN. In 2003 about 53 percent of all Mustang buyers were women.

There was a time when the Mustang was actually marketed to the middle-aged executive man and that failed.

The V-8 has always held a smaller demographic of sales, and therefore, production of the V-8 is limited. Ford can sell more V-6s off the lot, then they can V-8s. It drives their sales and maintains the product line.

This is akin to a science. They have annual reports on the Ford Motor Company website back to 2000 in PDF format. If you read through them, you will see that Ford has spent countless hours weighting risk management in correlation to product sales to determine the V-8 to V-6 production demographics in relation to sales.

It is a business fact that will probably not change anytime soon, no matter how much GT owners wish it were so.

oohsoobad2 · Sep 16, 2005

I have a feeling that the public may become tired of the "retro" thing faster than Fords thinks. I like the 05+ but it doesnt make me feel like my 99 is an 'old' car.
I really wonder what the next generation of Mustang will look like in 09 or whenever. Will they stay retro and make something similar to the 69-70 ??

stanmckinney · Sep 16, 2005

The Mustang would not exist today without the V6. That's a fact. Camaros and Firebirds focused strictly on high performance and were dropped.
It takes the V6 to cost justify the V8.
Complain all you want, whine or whatever. It's the truth.
I've owned V6s and V8s and loved all of them.
Get over it. A V6 Mustang is a great car. A V8 Mustang is a great car.
Why can't we all just get along????

351CJ · Sep 16, 2005

dmaxstang said:
351CJ said:

Try leaving putting your male machoism aside for a few seconds.
Simple fact, without the V6 Mustang there would not be a V8 Mustang today as Ford would have discontinued the Mustang years ago.

Over the last 10 years V6 sales have been 68% and V8s 32%.

Ok, then exactly what has the production percentage been, and are you telling me that if the V8 production was higher it wouln't have sold every vehicle, or are you trying to tell me that only 32% of the v8s produced were sold?

Click to expand...

What I am trying to tell you is this:

Over the last 10 years, 68% of Mustangs manufactured and sold have been V6s.

For example, in Calender year 2003, Ford sold 150,601 Mustangs in the US.
Approximately 102,000 of them were V6s and only 48,000 of them were V8s.

So the simple answer is, if Ford had made ALL 150,000 of those 2003 Mustang's V8s, there would still be thousands of them stacked up on dealer lots un-sold.

Pliskin · Sep 16, 2005

Its the demand and prestige that drives V8 sales. Like SVT. Joining a "club" with limited production numbers. its good to be part of the minority in this case. Its good to feel exclusive. Bragging rights. I'm glad there are v6s and v8s.

351CJ · Sep 16, 2005

Jenns05Stang said:
Given that in the past fleet sales, as CJ pointed out earlier in the thread, have held a large percentage of initial V-6 sales, the largest demographic (Thanks to Lee Iacocca) that Ford has marketed its V-6 line to has been WOMEN. In 2003 about 53 percent of all Mustang buyers were women.

To clarify your figures, I believe the "53% of Mustangs purchased by women" statistic refers to retail sales of new Mustangs (fleet and used excluded).

I can't find the #s right now, but I belive that something like 75% of V6 Mustangs sold retail are purchased by women (over the last 5 years).

ChldsPlay · Sep 16, 2005

I have a V6 auto on order. I don't like manual, never have, never will. I don't really need the extra HP, the V6 has plenty (though I'd definately take it if the cost wasn't so much more). I prefer the V6 grill. The more I see the GT grill, the less I like it, and even though I haven't seen a pony grill in person, what I have seen, I don't like. The grill would look good on the old classic convertible look, but not on the newer/retro/fastback look. So, the only thing the GT has that I won't get are the wheels. But, I'll just have to get myself a set and put them on myself later. There are lots of V6s I could go and pickup today, but I don't want to settle for options/colors I don't want. I'm spending over $20k, of course it should be exactly how I want it. If I'm going to complain about how Ford makes their cars, it's that they put the spoiler on too damn many (the most common option keeping me from getting one off the lot), and doesn't put the ABS on enough.

dmaxstang · Sep 16, 2005

I am coming around a bit as to why there are so many 6s out there. It would be the similar situation as if the product line consisted of GTs and Saleens(somewhat). But i guess ever since i had my 91 LX 4 banger, i have felt like stangs with anything less than 8 cylinders is a family car trapped inside a mustang body. That car was truly comfortable to operate but was the slowest pig in the world.

Sanctus · Sep 17, 2005

Jenns05Stang said:
Given that in the past fleet sales, as CJ pointed out earlier in the thread, have held a large percentage of initial V-6 sales, the largest demographic (Thanks to Lee Iacocca) that Ford has marketed its V-6 line to has been WOMEN. In 2003 about 53 percent of all Mustang buyers were women.

That man is a genious. i am reading "six men who built the modern auto industry" and he is featured in it for his amazing abilities to almost forsee the future of the auto market. either he saw how it was going to fluctuate, or he was a main factor in its manipulation. And that idea of marketing to women might be sexist in some way or another but you have to give the man credit. it has been the savior of the mustang really. unfortunatly that means two of my neighbors two and 6 houses down are girls in high school now have 05 v-6 stangs while they taunt me relentlessly by just having their cars sit in their driveways... yes that was a hint of bitterness. haha o well jenn once again you impress me with your knowledge about not only your cars but also the people who got this whole cult thing started. haha god bless you lee iacocca!

-Sy

Jenns01TA · Sep 17, 2005

Lee is Da' man!... A true American Icon.

As for sexist. Not really. It is simple business marketing. Lipstick would not sell if marketed to men. Tools would not sell if marketed primarily to women. It does not mean that because the simple underlying marketing plan is to women that men are not able to purchase a V-6. There is nothing in the marketing that precludes a class or demographic from obtaining the product, thereby creating discrimination.

Quite the opposite. To acknowledge women as a large target group who have large purchasing power, Ford has empowered the female consumer.

Now, we must look at the new style and engine capabilities of the new V-6 and see how things will play out in the next few years as for marketing. I would venture to guess that Ford may shift its focus to the young demographic - male or female. The high school aged/young college aged demographic group. Ford is losing big when it comes to sales because they have not followed the flavor of this new group of consumer. It really is an anomaly that many manufactures have curtailed to. Mitsubishi, Subaru and Honda are all ahead of the curve in their marketing pitches to these young groups.

Anyway, I could go on for hours, but will stop there.

CJ - thanks for the correction. I always appreciate it and would rather have factual figures than blown cheeze anyday!

351CJ · Sep 17, 2005

The majority of 1965 & 1966 Mustangs were 6 cylinders. And well over half of them were sold to women too.

Most people seem unaware that the original 1965 Mustang was primarly pitched as "a secretary's car."

A friend of mine collects old auto advertising, print & film. There's one Mustang commercial (1966 I think) that shows a "liberated" secretary hopping into her Mustang (6 cyl, of course) after work. She runs down to the airport to go sky diving. Of course the commercial ends with everyone standing around her Mustang with big smiles on their faces.

I wonder when we'll see an 06 Mustang commercial that features a socially hip administrative assistant who hops in her Mustang to go sky diving.

351CJ · Sep 17, 2005

dmaxstang said:
I am coming around a bit as to why there are so many 6s out there. It would be the similar situation as if the product line consisted of GTs and Saleens(somewhat). But i guess ever since i had my 91 LX 4 banger, i have felt like stangs with anything less than 8 cylinders is a family car trapped inside a mustang body.

Welcome to the world of automotive snobery. It runs all the way from Geo Metros to Rolls Royces.

Many Ferrari owners belive that "real" Ferraris have 12 cylinders. They look down their noses at 8 cyl. Ferraris and feel that Ferrari should never stooped so low as to build a V8. And those 6 cyl Dino Ferraris, forget it, garbage that shouldn't have a Ferrari nameplate on it.

Jenns01TA · Sep 17, 2005

351CJ said:
The majority of 1965 & 1966 Mustangs were 6 cylinders. And well over half of them were sold to women too.

Most people seem unaware that the original 1965 Mustang was primarly pitched as "a secretary's car."

A friend of mine collects old auto advertising, print & film. There's one Mustang commercial (1966 I think) that shows a "liberated" secretary hopping into her Mustang (6 cyl, of course) after work. She runs down to the airport to go sky diving. Of course the commercial ends with everyone standing around her Mustang with big smiles on their faces.

I wonder when we'll see an 06 Mustang commercial that features a socially hip administrative assistant who hops in her Mustang to go sky diving.

Why that would be my ultimate acting part. hahahahahha

martimus · Sep 17, 2005

351CJ said:
The majority of 1965 & 1966 Mustangs were 6 cylinders. And well over half of them were sold to women too.

Most people seem unaware that the original 1965 Mustang was primarly pitched as "a secretary's car."

True words indeed!!! I continually get a kick when I read on one of these forums that the V-6 Mustang is a "secretary's car". Were they to only know that ALL Mustangs have that same lineage... not only my V-6 but their GT too. A Mustang is and will always be a Mustang! :worship:

The powerplant is a motor... The Mustang is a Legend!!!

kevins05v-6 · Sep 17, 2005

dmaxstang said:
I guess i don't follow, are you telling me that given the choice you wouldn't choose a pair of matching "his and hers" GT's? And if so, why? What is the fear of having the nicer, more powerful, etc... vehicle? is it beyond one of your controls or please explain because i can't think you wouldn't want the GT instead.
What is that true value to you of the V6, so i can maybe change my opinion?

of course if given my choice i would get the GT.. but i cant afford two GTs.
and the chioce was ONE GT that my wife and I would share or TWO V-6s..
our two V-6s cost a total of 36k. a little more than what some have paid for one GT.

ok theres my reasoning by my excitement for a v-6 now do you still feel the v-6 is a mistake?

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