Ford Mustang Extends Sales Lead Over Chevrolet Camaro in June
Ford sold 10,263 Mustangs in June 2013, outpacing the Chevrolet Camaro by more than 3,000 units despite both models posting lower year-on-year sales.
Ford's Mustang outsold the Chevrolet Camaro in June 2013, marking the second consecutive month the Mustang led US muscle car sales. Ford delivered 10,263 Mustangs for the month, while Chevrolet recorded 7,236 Camaro sales. Both figures represent a drop compared to June 2012, but the Mustang's margin of over 3,000 units underlines its continued appeal in a segment where brand loyalty runs deep.
Ford Mustang Extends Sales Lead Over Chevrolet Camaro in June 2013
Sales Figures and Trends
The year-on-year decline hit the Camaro harder, with Chevrolet's model falling 20.7% compared to the Mustang's 9.9% drop. The Mustang's performance comes despite the model approaching the end of its generation, ahead of the next major update. Ford's sales chief Erich Merkle pointed to a wider historical lead for the Mustang: since 2004, Ford has sold over 1 million Mustangs globally, while Camaro sales reached just over 345,000 in the same period. The Camaro's absence from the market between 2002 and 2009 contributed to that gap.
| Model | June 2013 Sales | Change vs June 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang | 10,263 | -9.9% |
| Chevrolet Camaro | 7,236 | -20.7% |
Mustang Milestones and Anniversary Promotions
In March 2013, Ford marked the Mustang's 50th anniversary with a special logo and a range of branded merchandise, including apparel, watches and even pinball machines. The logo, designed by Michael Thompson, features the iconic galloping pony above the words “50 YEARS”, reinforcing the car’s heritage and celebrating its legacy among enthusiasts.
April brought another milestone when the one millionth Mustang rolled off the Flat Rock assembly line. The event was commemorated by employees and Ford’s global product chief Raj Nair, who drove a ruby red 2014 Mustang convertible off the production line. The milestone highlighted the enduring popularity and production strength of the Mustang, which has remained a fixture in Ford’s line-up for decades.
Historical Sales Gap and Market Context
Ford’s advantage over Chevrolet in the muscle car segment is not limited to monthly sales. Since 2004, Ford has sold more than 1 million Mustangs globally, compared to just over 345,000 Camaros. The Camaro’s absence from the market between 2002 and 2009, when Chevrolet temporarily discontinued the model, contributed significantly to this gap. Although the Camaro regained attention after its reintroduction in 2009, it has struggled to keep pace with the Mustang’s consistent sales base. Chevrolet has attempted to boost interest with facelifts and special editions. However, the Mustang’s brand strength, particularly around its 50th anniversary celebrations, has helped it maintain a clear lead.
The sales gap since 2004 highlights the Mustang’s strong position in the segment and the challenges faced by the Camaro as it works to regain lost ground.
Looking Ahead: New Model Launches
With the current Mustang generation nearing the end of its cycle, attention is turning to the next model. Ford is preparing for the launch of the 2015 Mustang, which is expected to introduce design and engineering changes, including a new EcoBoost engine and advanced features aimed at broadening its appeal. The new model is anticipated to attract both loyalists and new buyers, ensuring the Mustang remains competitive in the years ahead.
Chevrolet is also expected to respond with updates to the Camaro, keeping the rivalry alive as both models seek to retain their core buyers and attract new enthusiasts. The ongoing competition between these two iconic muscle cars continues to shape the segment, with each manufacturer aiming to set new benchmarks in performance, technology, and design.
Summary
For now, the Mustang’s lead in June 2013 reinforces its position as the benchmark in the US muscle car market. The combination of strong sales, historical milestones, and anticipation for the next generation ensures that the Mustang remains a key player in the segment. As both Ford and Chevrolet prepare for future releases, the rivalry is set to continue, capturing the attention of muscle car fans and industry watchers alike.
