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The Ford Motor Co. is preparing another version of its famous Mustang pony car to appear more feminine than before. The Mustang is now painted pink to attract more women and at the same time so as to also serve a much worthy cause – help the campaign in fighting breast cancer.

This summer, Ford intends to offer a “Warriors in Pink” trim package for the sports car to attract new buyers to the Mustang nameplate and help raise money for breast cancer research. Ford Mustang sales have slipped in the recent months. This is why the automaker is improving its campaign to increase the sales of its pony car.

“One of the reasons for this strategy is to keep the buzz up as high as possible,” said Ford spokesman Jim Cain, who noted that the Mustang continues to dominate its segment in the domestic market. In fact, he said Mustang’s share of the U.S. sporty coupe market has climbed to more than 50 percent even as its sales have slipped.

The automaker said that details are still being ironed out however the new version is expected to feature pink stripes on the outside and pink contrast stitching inside. The pony car package is expected to offer a V-6 engine but the purchasers can choose either a hardtop or a convertible. A couple of colors will be offered by the automaker but pink is not one of them.

Ford will be manufacturing the Mustangs to order. Some of the profits will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation is the world’s biggest and most progressive network of breast cancer survivors and activists. It has local affiliates in 125 cities and communities. The foundation also has a great number of advocates at the local, state, and federal level.

Breast cancer is a serious threat in today’s time. In the United States, the rate of new cases of breast cancer has increased by a little over one percent annually starting from the 1940s. During 1990s, the rate of new cases of the malady has leveled off. The recent statistics shows a steep rate of decline in new cases in 2003. However, in 2007 alone, an estimated 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US. The figures are now getting more serious that there is already a need to double the efforts and initiate rigorous campaigns to educate the people and to prevent breast cancer at the earliest time. This is the reason why Ford is offering a helping hand.

The dilemma now of the automaker is the fact that not everyone is amenable to the idea of a Ford Mustang being marketed at women. Analyst Erich Merkle of IRN Inc. which is based in Grand Rapids said that the Ford Mustang is an iconic brand that is based on a special mix of speed and testosterone. He said Ford should not mess with success. “Is Mustang going to be a stallion or a gelding?” Merkle quipped. “The cause is admirable, but the Mustang isn’t the right choice.” Merkle suggested Ford use another vehicle for the cause-oriented program.

Nevertheless, other enthusiasts are showing their support and are now welcoming the move of the automaker. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s going to add a little class to the car and a little feminine touch,” said Audrey Zavodsky of New Boston, who races Mustangs professionally in the Grand Am Coni Series and teaches high-performance driving at the Bondurant Racing School. “A lot of women are buying Mustangs, and I think this is going to appeal to even more women.”

At least two other special edition Mustangs are scheduled for release later year, including a new, limited edition Mustang Bullitt. For the 2006 and 2007 model years, the Pony Package option is offered with the V6 model. The Mustang option includes Bullitt-style wheels, a unique grille design with fog lamps, bigger tires, upgraded suspension, distinctive door striping and emblems, rear deck spoiler and other quality parts likened to the Volvo CV joint.

The Ford Motor Co. announced last Friday the new 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package – a limited production of 2,500 vehicles in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The limited edition Mustang is produced in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists.

The new Mustang is the first-ever vehicle from the automaker to be designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Now on its 13th year of support, Ford has dedicated more than $90 million in cash and in-kind donations to help save lives and fight breast cancer.

The Ford Mustang is one of the greatest milestones in the auto industry’s success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and the vehicle remains one of the hottest selling road machines in America. Mustang is also America’s best selling convertible. Launched in 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign stresses courage and power in dealing with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer. The Warriors in Pink collection of apparel for men and women feature important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer.

The Mustang with Warriors in Pink package will add a pink ribbon and Pony fender badge, a pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, an aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon. This is in addition to trusted auto parts consisting of Ford Mustang tire chain, engines, suspension, radiator, and more.

“Ford has been a long-standing supporter of Komen for the Cure and this year we’ve designed a special product to help raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer,” said Connie Fontaine, the Ford Customer Experience Manager. “For the 2007 campaign, Ford truly breaks the mold by creating the first-ever Ford 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package to support Komen for the Cure. With the addition of the new Mustang to Ford’s already powerful line of Warriors in Pink gear available at Fordcares.com, we plan to have yet another successful year as we provide our support in the fight against breast cancer.”

For this year, the automaker offers more options including a DVD-Based GPS Navigation System made by Pioneer, heated seats, power passenger seats, revised interior colors, and the Sirius satellite radio. The GT Appearance Package made its debut in 2007 as well. This package adds a non-functional hood scoop, bright rolled exhaust tips and an engine cover featuring the pony emblem.

The new Mustang, fueled by the Warrior spirit, will be delivered to dealers in mid-summer. The automaker’s goal is to donate more than half a million dollars through sales of the new Mustangs in addition to other fundraising efforts. The money shall be used by the organization to disseminate information and to help breast cancer patients. To stress, about ten million women around the world could die from breast cancer in the next 25 years without the right cure.

Three new Warrior symbols debut this year, representing the Warrior spirit in each one of us – from power and courage to strength and compassion. These new symbols will be found on additional apparel items available for men, women and children. All apparel is available on Fordcares.com and 100 percent of the net proceeds will be donated to Komen for the Cure. More than $1 million of merchandise were sold in 2006.

The limited edition 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package is currently available for consumers to pre-order through their local Ford dealers. The Mustangs, fueled by the Warrior spirit, will be delivered to dealerships in the mid-summer.

Available on the V-6 Premium Array Coupe or Convertible models, the Mustang with Warriors in Pink package will add a pink ribbon and Pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, an aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floormats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching. The Mustang with Warriors in Pink package, which includes the Mustang Pony package, will be available in three colors to please the spirits of all Warriors – black, metallic silver and performance white.