Americans Like their Mustangs Black, Chinese and Europeans Red

Now that the all-new Ford Mustang is officially on sale in North America and Asia and will soon arrive in Europe for the first time, the automaker has released preliminary data showing which colors are preferred by customers and enthusiasts worldwide for the iconic pony car. 

It turns out that red and black are the most popular exterior colors for the 2015 Mustang, with red taking No. 1 spot in Europe and China, while the US prefers black – despite the fact that the most popular color overall for automobiles stateside is white.

In Europe, Race Red and Absolute Black each were preferred by 20 percent of site visitors, according to configurator data. European pony car enthusiasts have configured online approximately 1.1 million Mustangs.

In China, nearly 35 percent of Mustang orders are for Race Red, followed by Oxford White with 20 percent and black at just under 20 percent. More than 18,000 consumers in China signed up to take all-new Mustang for a test drive. More than 5 million Chinese consumers visited the local Ford website to learn more about the Mustang, and awareness for the sports car is said to be growing: one in 12 Chinese consumers are aware of the model.

The new Mustang reached dealer lots in the United States late last year and China in early 2015. It will go on sale in Europe this summer. In the US, Mustang sales rose 32 percent in February, making it the best-selling sports car in the country.
(CS)

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Volvo V60 D6 Plug-In Diesel-Electric Hybrid

Pegged as the world's first diesel-electric plug-inhybrid production model, V60 D6 features a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 215HP and 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque that drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 70HP electric motor, which draws energy from a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, driving the rear axle.

The V60 D6 can operate three different modes. In hybrid mode, the diesel and the electric engine work in parallel, achieving a range of up to 621 miles (999 km) and emitting just 49g/km of CO2.

In “pure” mode, the car is powered by the electric motor as much as possible offering a range of 32 miles (52 km). For maximum performance the driver can select the “power” mode, in which both motors work together, producing 215HP+70HP and 440+200Nm (324.5+147.5 lb-ft) of torque respectively. In this case, the V60 D6 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.2 seconds.

"Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011”, said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo. “Now we're taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver color, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment.”

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid will be available from November 2012 in a limited run of just 1,000 cars. This initial batch will be launched in just one color (“Electric Silver”) with glossy black details in parts like the grille and the front spoiler.

Its standard specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels, integrated exhaust pipes and a chromed “Plug-in Hybrid” logo on the front wings and the tailgate.

The interior features leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood, a gear lever knob with integrated indicator, speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call. Also standard are a High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with a 4x40W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen.

After the initial 1,000 units of the 2013 MY, production will increase to 4,000-6,000 cars from the 2014 model year, with Volvo expecting 80% of sales to go to company cars.

About 30 per cent of the car’s production is allocated to Sweden and the other Nordic countries. Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK will each receive a share of between 5 and 15 per cent.

"We expect the order books to fill very quickly”, commented Jacoby. “The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there's only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid.”

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