Customer Logins
Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice.
Customer LoginsCamaro about to overtake Mustang as king of pony cars
The Mustang is as iconic as any model on the road. More people bought a Mustang during its first year on the market (1964-65) than ony other model ever introduced before it, AND more than any other model introduced after it through 1977. The Mustang is one of a handful of models (the Caravan and 3-Series come to mind) that created a segment, as Chevrolet was forced to respond in 1967 with the Camaro. And, while its competitors have come and gone, the Mustang has remained a force in the industry for forty-five consecutive years.
From 2000 through 2009, the Mustang blew away its competition. During that time span almost 1.4 million customers purchased Mustangs, more than eight times the sales of the Camaro, its nearest competitor (see table). The Camaro actually was discontinued in 2002 as the segment appeared to be on its last legs, but an all-new Camaro was introduced with positive media coverage last year.
With one month of sales and three months of registrations remaining in 2010, it looks like Mustang's reign as king of the pony cars is coming to an end. September 2010 CYTD registration data indicate Camaro holds a commanding lead of 66,674 vs. 58,982. While this is a sizable margin, it is conceivable that Ford could close the gap if it piles on the incentives and blankets the airwaves. But, it is unlikely Chevrolet will just sit by and not respond.
Because of this possibility of an end-of-year price war in the pony car segment, this would be a great time to shop for a Mustang or Camaro if you are interested in that market.
Posted by Tom Libby, PolkInsight Advisor, Polk (12.07.2010)