50-year legend

"The Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice-president for global product development.

"The visceral look, sound and performance of the Mustang resonate with people, even if they've never driven one.

"Mustang is definitely more than just a car - it is the heart and soul of Ford."

The Mustang's impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production.

It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world's most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring the Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

"We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of the Mustang, an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world," said Jim Farley, Ford's executive vice-president for global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln.

April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang and each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words "Mustang - Since 1964".

The Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

"From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right," said Dave Pericak, chief engineer for the Ford Mustang.

"We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with the Mustang for half a century."

lifangfang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 12/09/2013 page19)