The month of August continued to see Mustang sales slump. Beat out by nearly 2:1 by the Camaro with 10,340 units sold for the bow-tie, to Ford’s 5,878 Mustangs, and barely overcoming the sales of the Challenger, the Mustang is definitely in need of a boost.
Mustang sales have been in decline for the past several years as the S197 platform ages. While the introduction of the Coyote, along with a few refreshes including the major refresh in 2010, have temporarily boosted sales, the Mustang is not winning the sales wars.
Sales this year have likely been impacted by the new 2015 Mustang on the horizon, with potential buyers either holding off on a purchase, or those who aren’t necessarily Mustang faithful looking at other brands. The only month in the 2014 calendar year to have worse sales than August was January with just under 4,000 Mustangs sold.
On a positive note total Mustang sales are up in 2014 over 2013 numbers. We have to wonder as 2015 inventory begins to roll into dealers over the next few months if we won’t see a resurgence in Mustang popularity at dealer showrooms over the next year. With the general public that may depend on how well the car is reviewed by the general media.
While some are skeptical of styling of the 2015, or the independent rear suspension, the sales numbers don’t lie. Ford must continue to restyle, and adopt new technologies, in order for a nameplate to remain popular with buyers. Change is inevitable and automakers must adapt, and create new trends, or rethink what they sell.