By Alex Perdikis
Mustang fans have more reason than usual to smile. Earlier this year, Car Throttle reported that the Ford Mustang is officially the world’s best selling sports coupe — meaning it beat out some of the world’s finest vehicles in an increasingly crowded, and notoriously competitive, category.
Mustang diehards know their beloved cars are special, and this news will only reinforce their already unshakeable belief in the culture they wholeheartedly embrace. But, hard as it is to believe, there are plenty of folks — including a not-insignificant number of bona fide motor junkies — who remain Mustang-skeptical. This news may well convince them to take a closer look at the modern Mustang.
To that end, let’s ask ourselves a straightforward question: Why is the Mustang the world’s best selling sports coupe?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as the question suggests. These are just a few of the most important reasons:
Ford’s Global Strategy
Mustang is available in 140 countries. 140! Few other car models can claim such wide availability, and it’s all thanks to Ford’s deliberate “World Car” strategy — a once-controversial plan to slim down Ford’s platform selection and lower artificial barriers to international sales. “World Car” is a clear-cut success, and Mustang is one of many beneficiaries.
Mustang’s Relative Affordability
Mustang isn’t exactly an entry-level marque, but it’s more affordable than many of its name-brand competitors. In a tight economy, that’s music to car-buyers’ ears (and wallets).
The Convertible Version Is Incredibly Popular
The Mustang convertible is incredibly popular, especially in sunnier parts of the United States. Nearly 30 percent of the marque’s total sales are attributable to convertibles — a very high share relative to competing coupes.
Known Quantity
Mustang has been around since 1962, when the first two-seater model hit the American market. Since then, the marque has seen plenty of ups and downs, but its fundamental popularity has never wavered. As successive Mustang generations debuted and circulated around the world’s roads, the brand’s visibility grew — to the point where the word’s original equine connotation is lost on many (if not most) drivers. Not every sports coupe can claim to have changed the English language.
Easy on the Fuel
Mustang offers a variety of engine choices, each with its own blend of efficiency and power. In the United States, the most popular choice is actually the dainty 2.3-liter version, while the V8 version dominates abroad. No need to pass judgment on the relative merits of either choice — the mere fact that such divergent choices exist is testament to this coupe’s broad appeal.
What’s Next for the Mustang Marque?
Becoming the world’s best selling sports coupe is a hard act to follow. After reaching the pinnacle of category success, is there anywhere to go but down?
Not if the brilliant minds at Mustang have anything to say about it. No one knows what the future holds, but us Ford lifers are confident that Mustang will continue to surprise and delight in the years to come. Who said you can’t teach an old horse new tricks?