Ford unveils new Mustang on Burj Khalifa

AS A TESTAMENT to its growth plans for the Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company has introduced the all-new Mustang on the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car, the all-new Mustang boasts a more advanced driver-assist technology than any other car in its class. The Mustang fastback and convertible has a sleek design and features world-class engine performance. It features a new turbocharged EcoBoost (R) 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower. It packs state-of-the-art connectivity systems, track apps, and launch control.

Ford Motor Company executive chairman Bill Ford takes the new 2015 Mustang to the 112th floor of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai (Photo: Business Wire)

The live-action event marking the launch of the all-new Mustang was capped by Bill Ford, executive chairman at Ford, delivering the iconic pony badge to the 2015 yellow Mustang on the 112th floor of the skyscraper. This started off with an unknown protagonist atop a cliff in Arizona taking an urgent call, who then raced via horseback, airliner, car, helicopter, and jet ski to Dubai to deliver the iconic pony badge. 

On the 112th floor of the Burj Khalifa, some 399 meters above the ground, it was revealed that the protagonist was Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford.

“Almost 50 years ago Ford captured the world’s attention by placing a 1965 Mustang Convertible atop what was then the world’s tallest building, the Empire State Building in New York City,” Mr. Ford said. “Today’s event in Dubai, home to the world’s current tallest building, completes an incredible global journey for Ford and Mustang.”

The event was viewed live around the world via YouTube. Approximately 10,000 people gathered in the Dubai Downtown area overlooking the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. 

Ford’s new Middle East and Africa business unit headquartered in Dubai, which was established this year, covers 67 Ford markets in North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, and Middle East regions. 

By placing the regional headquarters in Dubai, the company will be able to tap the innovation and imagination in the region, said Jim Benintende, president at Ford Middle East and Africa.  

With sales in the Middle East and Africa forecast to rise 40% to hit 5.5 million vehicles by 2020, Ford plans to launch 25 vehicles in the region by 2016 to match the booming market. The vehicle rollout includes the all-new Mustang, which will debut next year.

Ford has also revealed plans to launch the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, and Lincoln MKC in the Middle East and Africa. It will also accelerate the launch of new technologies such as the EcoBoost engines, SYNC in-car connectivity, inflatable rear seat belts, MyKey, and other driver-assist technologies.