First 500 European Ford Mustangs reserved in 30 seconds [w/video]

Thu, 29 May 2014

We're pretty sure that any initial concerns Ford had about selling the redesigned Mustang in Europe have been lessened considerably, after the first 500 Euro-spec 2015 Mustangs were been reserved in just 30 seconds. Moreover, 9,300 people attempted to snag one of the coveted orders for the all-new muscle car. Yes, Mustang, you should do quite well across the pond.

The registration event was held during the UEFA (pronounced yu-eh-fa) Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

"We knew there was huge excitement building for the new Ford Mustang coming to Europe, but the response during the UCL Final was overwhelming," said Roelant de Waard, VP of marketing, sales and service for Ford's European outfit. "It was a truly special way to kick off the Ford Mustang era in Europe."

Customers who successfully reserved a slot haven't been notified just yet – that will come in the next few weeks – although we do know that the 500 cars were available to drivers in 20 different European countries. The specs, though, were limited.

Hardtop fans are limited to Race Red, while Convertible drivers will get Magnetic Silver – the 2015 Mustang's launch colors. Despite the lack of a choice on color, owners will be able to choose between the Mustang's two European engines, the 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and the brawny, 5.0-liter V8. The initial run of cars will include MyFord Touch with Sync and navigation, black leather seats with heating and ventilation functions, park assist and 19-inch wheels. It's unclear how much these launch cars will cost European consumers.

Ford, which is the official vehicle supplier for the Champions League, promoted its registration event with a series of videos, depicting the Mustang in front of major landmarks from London, Paris, Berlin and Rome, as well as a final video showing the Mustang inside Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, where the final match was played.

Take a look below for the official press release from Ford, as well as the promotional videos for the Mustang registration, which we've embedded for your viewing pleasure.

OVER 9,300 EUROPEANS APPLY TO RESERVE THE FIRST 500 NEW FORD MUSTANGS DURING UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
More than 9,300 Europeans registered for a chance to buy one of 500 new Ford Mustangs, available to order for the first time in Europe during the UEFA Champions League Final
The first 500 registrations came just 30 seconds into the match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atlético de Madrid. Successful customers will be notified in the next few weeks
The new Ford Mustang arrives in dealerships across Europe next year. It's the first time in the iconic sports car's 50-year history that it will be sold across Europe

COLOGNE, Germany, May 27, 2014 – Ford Motor Company said more than 9,300 people registered online for a chance to reserve one of the first 500 new Ford Mustang models for Europe during last weekend's UEFA Champions League Final.

Ford received the first 500 registrations to reserve a new Ford Mustang just 30 seconds into the match where Real Madrid CF beat Club Atlético de Madrid 4-1 after extra time. The new Ford Mustang will be the first ever to be made available across Europe when it goes on sale next year.

"We knew there was huge excitement building for the new Ford Mustang coming to Europe, but the response during the UCL Final was overwhelming," said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. "It was a truly special way to kick off the Ford Mustang era in Europe."

The 500 new Mustangs were allocated across 20 countries. Ford will in the next few weeks contact the customers from each of these countries who were quickest to place their reservation to let them know they have been successful. Each customer will then be invited to complete their order at a dealership later this year.

Fastback models in Race Red and convertible models in Magnetic Silver were available and both will include a special package. Customers also had the choice of Ford's all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with more than 309 PS and 407 Nm of torque; or the 5.0-litre V8 engine, which will deliver more than 426 PS and 529 Nm of torque.

The 500 models also will offer Ford's SYNC 2 connectivity and navigation system; heated and ventilated seats; Park Assist; black leather trim; chrome detailing; and 19-inch alloy wheels.

As the official vehicle supplier to the UEFA Champions League for the 2013/2014 season, Ford provided more than 900 vehicles for official use. More than 200 Ford vehicles transported VIPs and match officials at this year's Final, and a Ford Mustang also transported the winner's trophy from the UEFA Champions Festival to the stadium Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Lisbon.

By Brandon Turkus