Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the Mustang remains a core part of the company’s identity, even as the broader automotive landscape moves steadily toward crossovers, electrification and stricter regulatory demands. In a recent essay, he reflected on the model’s long history, its unexpected beginnings and its global cultural impact, framing its survival as a responsibility for the company’s future.
The Mustang’s origin story, as he recounted, serves as a reminder of how close the car once came to taking a different path. A nearly abandoned design eventually became the shape that launched one of the most recognizable performance cars in the world. More than 10 million examples have been sold since its debut, and Ford noted how that reach has extended well beyond the United States. He pointed to experiences from the launch of the sixth-generation Mustang in the Middle East, where enthusiasm for the car was evident even in regions where it had not yet been officially offered.
For Ford, the Mustang represents more than a long-running nameplate. He described it as a symbol of freedom and optimism—qualities he believes the company must continue to uphold as it navigates the next six decades of automotive evolution. Preserving that connection, he argued, is central to the brand’s mission.
That goal has helped shape recent product decisions. The Mustang Mach-E was introduced in part to address tightening emissions and fuel economy requirements while ensuring the continuation of a V8-powered coupe. CEO Jim Farley has indicated that a fully electric Mustang coupe is unlikely, though a four-door variant is reportedly under consideration.
As the industry continues shifting toward electrified and utility-driven models, Ford maintains that the Mustang’s future depends on adapting while staying true to the spirit that has defined it for 60 years.
