• 2005 Ford Mustang named “Canadian Car of the Year” by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
• Mustang sales galloped to a second straight sales increase in January, its best since 2001
• All-new Mustang convertible model arrives in dealer showrooms this (northern) spring for an additional volume boost.

Ford Mustang – an icon of North-American performance and the best-selling sports car in the country – was, overnight, named “Canadian Car of the Year” for 2005.

Ford Mustang received the 2005 Canadian Car of the Year award yesterday morning (Ontario time) at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, voted by members of the Automobile Journalists' Association of Canada (AJAC.)

“It’s official: The 2005 Ford Mustang is the best new car in Canada,” says Joe Hinrichs, Ford of Canada president and CEO. “It’s truly gratifying to see Canadian journalists confirm what more than 40 years of Mustang owners already know – that Mustang is the true embodiment of design, driver satisfaction and affordability.”

The AJAC Car of the Year award is designed to recognize the most outstanding car of the year based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. To be eligible, vehicles must be “all new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model. The 2005 Mustang was chosen the winner from three finalists, including the Chrysler 300C and the Honda Accord Hybrid.

Off to a Fast Start

Since launch last October, the new 2005 Mustang has been an instant sensation with new car buyers. This builds on Mustang's current dominance in the Sports Car segment, where it is the number one sports car and convertible in Canada. This (northern) spring, the Mustang convertible will join the coupe in Ford dealer showrooms for an additional volume boost.

“Mustang ‘mania’ is running rampant throughout North America,” says Hinrichs. “Customers are going to extreme measures to secure their piece of the North American legend with on-lookers drooling over their new purchase at every stoplight.”

A True American Legend

Since its dramatic 1964 introduction, Ford Mustang has been the icon of North American performance with its bold style, brawny engine and rear-wheel-drive excitement.

It has thrived for 40 years by staying true to the basic formula established in 1964: great design and affordable performance. The new 2005 Ford Mustang continues that tradition with an all-new platform and clean-sheet design that makes it faster, safer, more agile and better looking than ever.

The vehicle’s signature long hood and short rear deck capitalize on 40 years of history, as do classic design cues that have defined Mustangs since the 1960s: C-scoop lines on the sides, three-element taillamps and a galloping horse badge in the centre of the grille.

The 2005 Ford Mustang convertible is the first in a string of specialty versions of the new Mustang. Just as noteworthy, it is the most solid, best handling and most refined open-air version yet of this North American legend.

And because the convertible was designed alongside the coupe and not as an afterthought, it is much more solid than coupe-derived convertibles of the past. Better still, it retains all of the personality that has made the Ford Mustang one of the most-loved automotive nameplates in history.

A History of Success

Mustang is no stranger to success, having garnered numerous awards over its 40-year history, including winning Car and Driver’s “10 Best Award” four times, the Motor Trend “Car of the Year Award” twice and numerous design awards.

There are more than 250 Mustang enthusiast clubs around the world.

Since 1965 more than eight million Mustangs have been sold.