Ford Prepares Another Mustang With a Cause

The Ford Motor Co. is preparing another version of its famous Mustang pony car to appear more feminine than before. The Mustang is now painted pink to attract more women and at the same time so as to also serve a much worthy cause – help the campaign in fighting breast cancer.

This summer, Ford intends to offer a "Warriors in Pink" trim package for the sports car to attract new buyers to the Mustang nameplate and help raise money for breast cancer research. Ford Mustang sales have slipped in the recent months. This is why the automaker is improving its campaign to increase the sales of its pony car.

"One of the reasons for this strategy is to keep the buzz up as high as possible," said Ford spokesman Jim Cain, who noted that the Mustang continues to dominate its segment in the domestic market. In fact, he said Mustang's share of the U.S. sporty coupe market has climbed to more than 50 percent even as its sales have slipped.

The automaker said that details are still being ironed out however the new version is expected to feature pink stripes on the outside and pink contrast stitching inside. The pony car package is expected to offer a V-6 engine but the purchasers can choose either a hardtop or a convertible. A couple of colors will be offered by the automaker but pink is not one of them.

Ford will be manufacturing the Mustangs to order. Some of the profits will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation is the world’s biggest and most progressive network of breast cancer survivors and activists. It has local affiliates in 125 cities and communities. The foundation also has a great number of advocates at the local, state, and federal level.

Breast cancer is a serious threat in today’s time. In the United States, the rate of new cases of breast cancer has increased by a little over one percent annually starting from the 1940s. During 1990s, the rate of new cases of the malady has leveled off. The recent statistics shows a steep rate of decline in new cases in 2003. However, in 2007 alone, an estimated 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US. The figures are now getting more serious that there is already a need to double the efforts and initiate rigorous campaigns to educate the people and to prevent breast cancer at the earliest time. This is the reason why Ford is offering a helping hand.

The dilemma now of the automaker is the fact that not everyone is amenable to the idea of a Ford Mustang being marketed at women. Analyst Erich Merkle of IRN Inc. which is based in Grand Rapids said that the Ford Mustang is an iconic brand that is based on a special mix of speed and testosterone. He said Ford should not mess with success. "Is Mustang going to be a stallion or a gelding?" Merkle quipped. "The cause is admirable, but the Mustang isn't the right choice." Merkle suggested Ford use another vehicle for the cause-oriented program.

Nevertheless, other enthusiasts are showing their support and are now welcoming the move of the automaker. "I think it's a great idea. It's going to add a little class to the car and a little feminine touch," said Audrey Zavodsky of New Boston, who races Mustangs professionally in the Grand Am Coni Series and teaches high-performance driving at the Bondurant Racing School. "A lot of women are buying Mustangs, and I think this is going to appeal to even more women."

At least two other special edition Mustangs are scheduled for release later year, including a new, limited edition Mustang Bullitt. For the 2006 and 2007 model years, the Pony Package option is offered with the V6 model. The Mustang option includes Bullitt-style wheels, a unique grille design with fog lamps, bigger tires, upgraded suspension, distinctive door striping and emblems, rear deck spoiler and other quality parts likened to the Volvo CV joint.