With all the focus upon efficiency and safety these days, some might think the new Ford Mustang (a sports car known to all) might not have the best track record when it comes to safety and passenger protection. Think again. The stiffened platform and multiple updates to the 2010 Ford Mustang make for a package of power as well as safety. Yeah, yeah “safe”…somewhat subjective until a reputable metric is applied. How about a fiver-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association for front and side collisions as well as rollover performance? With the Mustang putting up stats like this, Ford is able to push ahead of the pack with the leading number of five-star rated vehicles in the fleet. Be sure to watch the videos and make sure to check out the official scoop in the Press Release.

Press Release

• The 2010 Ford Mustang coupe has earned the U.S. government’s top 5-star safety ratings, which includes 5-stars for driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance
• Ford has more U.S. government 5-star ratings than any other automotive brand
• Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with nearly a 40 percent share of the segment in April; May sales ahead of projections

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND: The 2010 Ford Mustang coupe has earned the U.S. government’s top 5-star crash-test rating, adding to widespread acclaim for the new car’s unmistakable design and upgraded performance that builds on the formula that’s made it America’s favorite pony car for 45 years. Ford has more U.S. government 5-star-rated vehicles than any other brand and more Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.

DETAILS: The new Mustang uses high strength steel in its body structure and uses ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to help protect occupants.

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System™ – a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.

Sales Leader Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with the new 2010 model driving showroom traffic. In April, Mustang had nearly a 40 percent share of the retail sports car segment.