Ford Mustang Gallops into 2006 With More Choice, New V-6 Pony Package

DEARBORN, Mich., June 9, 2005 - Ford Mustang - the hottest car in America - gallops into the 2006 model year with new product improvements announced today at the Mid-America Ford Performance & Shelby Meet in Tulsa, OK. For 2006, Ford Mustang will offer customers more customization potential with the all-new "Pony Package," providing Mustang V-6 customers a GT-inspired suspension with larger wheels and tires, custom grille with fog lamps and other enhancements.

Mustang GT customers can now also choose between four different wheel and tire packages - the most ever offered on a V-8 powered Mustang - including two new 18-inch wheels and tires complemented by unique suspension tuning. In addition, two new Mustang colors - Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic and Tungsten Grey Clearcoat Metallic - join the color palette for 2006.

"Over the years, Mustang's success has always been tied to our customers' ability to customize their car direct from the factory," says Robert Parker, Ford Car marketing manager. "For 2006, we're taking a page from the Mustang history book and are offering customers increased customization potential with the exciting new "Pony Package" on Mustang V-6 models. In addition, we've added two 18-inch wheel choices for our performance-minded GT buyers."

Ride Pony, Ride

From sporty two-door coupe to high-performance hot-rod, Mustang has fit the needs of America's sports-car enthusiasts for more than 42 years.

For 2006, Ford debuts the new "Pony Package" on V-6 coupe and convertible "Premium" models. At a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,195, the Mustang V-6 "Pony Package" offers tremendous performance value, adding the following equipment:

• Customized "Pony" grille encompassing GT-model-like round fog lamps and a chrome bezel around the traditional Mustang prancing horse

• GT-inspired suspension featuring a larger front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and P235/55ZR 17-inch tires on painted cast aluminum wheels with bright machined rims and unique tri-bar Pony center caps - the largest wheels and tires ever fitted to a V-6 Mustang

• Pony front fender badges, lower door tape stripe and carpeted front floor mats with special brushed chrome "Mustang" logos and a rear spoiler

• 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control

Customers also can continue to customize the interior of both the Mustang V-6 and GT models with an Interior Upgrade Package, Interior Sport Appearance Package and the Interior Color Enhancement Package.

More Wheels for Your Pony

Mustang GT also enters the 2006 model year with two new 18-inch wheel and tire combinations - the largest tires ever fitted to a production V-8 Mustang since the 2000 SVT Cobra R model - and unique suspension tuning calibrated to the larger treads. Customers who order Mustang GT with the larger wheels and tires receive recalibrated shocks and struts to compensate for the unique handling characteristics of Mustang's shod with 18-inch rubber.

Mustang GT customers can now choose from the following four wheel and tire combinations:

• Standard P235/55 ZR17 Pirelli "PZERO" tires on painted aluminum wheels

• Optional P235/55 ZR17 Pirelli "PZERO" tires on bright machined-aluminum wheels

• Optional P235/50 ZR18 BFGoodrich "Touring TA" tires on polished aluminum wheels

• Optional P235/50 ZR 18 BFGoodrich "Touring TA" tires on premium aluminum wheels

Sales, Share and Production Gains

Since its launch in the fall of 2004, the new model Mustang has quickly become the hottest selling car in America. Sales of the new 2005 model are up more than 25 percent this year, with sales to individual retail customers up more than 44 percent.

Increasing sales gains have also been accompanied by share gains. Nearly one out of every two sports car sold in America this year has been a Mustang, with the car garnering more than three and a half times as many sales as its closest competitor in the small specialty segment, which features sports coupes such as the Pontiac GTO, Nissan 350Z, Chrysler Sebring and Hyundai Tiburon.

In March, the company announced that it will take production of the hot new Mustang to more than 192,000 units in 2005 - an increase of more than 70 percent, or 80,000 units, from the previous year.

Last month, Ford announced that it will provide aid to help save about 2,000 wild mustang horses that currently face an uncertain future. In addition, the company is offering a means for the public to help "Save the Mustangs" (www.savethemustangs.org) - working with the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Take Pride in America to establish a fund to serve as a means for the public to contribute financial support to help maintain the wild horses.