Ford Committed to Manual Mustang Production

CEO Jim Farley affirmed that Ford will continue offering manual transmissions in the iconic Mustang sports car.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Car Culture

Ford Committed to Manual Mustang Production

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In 2025, Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed his commitment to keep manual transmissions in the Ford Mustang lineup for as long as he leads the company. This decision follows a year where Ford sold over 45,000 Mustang vehicles in the United States.

Why it matters

The pledge ensures the survival of the manual transmission for performance enthusiasts as the automotive industry continues a broad shift toward automatic and electric drivetrains. Farley indicated he intends to prevent the removal of the option from the model entirely.

Ford reported 45,000 U.S. Mustang sales in 2025, up from 37,000 in 2024, while maintaining a 27% manual transmission take rate for the GT and Dark Horse models. By comparison, Ford sold 166,000 Mustangs in the U.S. during 2006.

The players

Jim Farley

He is the CEO of Ford who has pledged to keep the manual transmission in production for the Mustang.

Ford

This American automotive manufacturer is responsible for the production and design of the Mustang.

The details

CEO Jim Farley stated his firm commitment to maintain Mustang production as long as he remains at the helm of the company. His directive specifically mandates that the manual transmission remain an available configuration for buyers.

In 2006, Ford sold 166,000 Mustangs in the U.S.
During 2024, Ford sold 37,000 Mustangs with a 27% manual take rate.
In 2025, Ford sold over 45,000 Mustangs across the U.S.

Roadmap

This move stands as a notable exception in an industry that is rapidly moving toward fully automatic and electric powertrains. By prioritizing the manual transmission, Ford is positioning the Mustang as a primary vehicle for traditional driving enthusiasts.

Prospective buyers can expect continued availability of manual gearbox configurations in future Mustang model years. This commitment provides long-term certainty for drivers who prefer a tactile shifting experience over standard automatic or dual-clutch transmissions.

The takeaway

Ford is betting that internal combustion performance vehicles with manual options remain a vital part of its brand identity. Owners and enthusiasts should view this as a commitment to maintain traditional performance options despite broader industry electrification trends.