Ford's longest running brand, Mustang, hits 9 million mark since inception in 1964

Iowa: Ford Mustang has reached the 9 million mark since its inception in 1964. Iowan farmer Thomas Krumm who bought a Mustang GT convertible, became the 9 millionth buyer of the car built by Ford Motor Company.

Mustang is Ford Motor Company's longest-running brand, which made its debut at the  New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964. The Mustang, a popular brand in the US, with appearances in Hollywood movies, shattered the sales records of any single model in the history of the automobile, when it sold 1 million models in its first two years.

Today, one of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang. The brand leads the nearly $1 billion after market parts and accessories industry as the most personalised vehicle of all time, and has been recognized by SEMA as the most accessory-friendly new vehicle.

Designer Caroll Shelby, specialising in making Mustang performance parts and customised cars, has contributed to the popularity of the car. To honour Shelby for his contribution, Ford announced the production date of its GT500KR  limited edition Mustangs, named Ford Shelby, on his 85th birthday. (See: Ford begins production of 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR) 

Mustang brand manager, Fritz Wilke, noted that reaching the 9 million mark in 44 years has been achieved thanks to the contribution of various people including Mustangs owners and enthusiasts and Ford partners at AAI where Mustangs are built to Ford's Product Development and Ford Division teams.

In Wilke's words, "So many people have contributed to Mustang's proud 44-year heritage possible – from incredible Mustangs owners and enthusiasts to our partners at AAI where Mustangs are built to Ford's Product Development and Ford Division teams."