Mustang Survives the Great Ford Lineup Purge

Ford’s 2018 Q1 fiscal results indicate subpar consumer demand for sedans in North America.

You can’t keep a good muscle car down, and yet again, the mighty Mustang has survived another lineup culling. Ford has decided to narrow its focus to just two cars, and phase out all sedans. The company’s Q1 financial report sheds light on the reason for this bold, borderline risky move—and it’s poor sales.

“Over the next few years, the Ford car portfolio in North America will transition to two vehicles – the best-selling Mustang and the all-new Focus Active crossover coming out next year,” said Jim Hackett, Ford’s president and CEO.

Mustang’s Longevity

Besides their goal to reduce spending by $5 billon by 2022 according to the report, we don’t know when this purge will happen. For Mustang enthusiasts, this is one thing we (hopefully) will never have to worry about if you look at the car’s history. For what it’s worth, the Mustang is the company’s only vehicle that has had six generations for 53 years consecutively, and it thrives regardless of the car market climate. Talk about plot armor.

And while the Mustang continues to do well, the demand for trucks is on a steep upward trend, too.

Focusing on the Essentials

According to an interview with Market Watch, Edmunds Analyst Jessica Caldwell succinctly analyzes the automaker’s thought process on the whole matter.

“Ford realized it can’t be everything to everyone,” Caldwell said. “The key to success is focusing on where your customers are and where your strengths lie, and for Ford doubling down on trucks and SUVs could be just what the brand needs.”

The automaker’s Q1 report also mentioned “a full commitment to new propulsion choices, including adding hybrid-electric powertrains to high-volume, profitable vehicles.” It also plans to rollout 16 battery-electric vehicles by 2022 according to the report, but whether the Mustang is part of that roster remains to be seen.

Regardless of it all, one thing is clear—long live the Mustang!

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