Scott

Yawn.

And so far so good on any majore recalls (crosses fingers).



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FORD TO INCREASE MUSTANG PRODUCTION TO MEET RUNAWAY CONSUMER DEMAND

* Ford will increase Mustang production to 192,000 in 2005

* 2005 Mustang is the hottest-selling car in the industry

* Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in U.S. is a Mustang

What's an auto company to do when demand for a hot model exceeds supply? Give the customers what they want.

Ford today 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.

"Ford Mustang is the hottest car in the industry, and its performance on the street and in the showrooms is beating everyone's expectations," says Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. "Sales are up more than 45 percent over last year, and V-8 GT and convertible model demand is so strong that we haven't been able to build enough.

We're planning to increase production well beyond what was initially planned. This will allow us to sell 160,000 &endash; 165,000 Mustangs in the U.S. this year."

Sales and Share Gains

Since its launch in the fall of 2004, the new model Mustang has been an instant sensation with new car buyers. Sales of the 2005 model, coupled with the sell-down of the prior model, have sent overall Mustang sales to record levels every month since launch.

The higher-end Mustang GT V-8 models are in short supply, and the much anticipated new convertible model is just beginning to arrive at dealerships in time for spring. Traditionally, May and June are the hottest selling months for convertible models.

In the key U.S. market, overall Mustang sales are up more than 45 percent on a retail basis over last year, a feat accomplished without the support of the convertible model, which traditionally accounts for one-third of overall Mustang volume. Based on the current sales trajectory, Ford expects to sell about 160,000 &endash; 165,000 Mustangs in the U.S. for the 2005 calendar year. In Canada, where Mustang was named 2005 Canadian Car of the Year, sales continue their triple-digit month-after-month rise, topping records set more than a decade ago.*/ /*