Ford Mustang Mach 1 buyers offered $5400 cash back or full refund after brochure error

Ford Australia has offered the first 450 buyers of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 the choice of a full refund, $5400 cash back, or free servicing for three years and an exclusive track day – following an error in the promotional material.

The remaining customers who ordered one of the 700 limited edition models – after the brochure errors were corrected – will still be able to take advantage of the free servicing and track day experience, but are not eligible for the $5400 cash back offer.

Ford Australia says fewer than 50 examples of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 remain in dealer stock. 

The $2.4 million make-good offer is believed to be the largest in Ford Australia’s history based on a brochure error, and comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) pledged five years ago to put automotive and associated industries under the microscope to ensure they are meeting their obligations under consumer law.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was initially advertised on Ford Australia’s website as having some equipment that in fact was either not available locally – or not available at all – namely a high-performance Torsen differential, rear parking sensors, and radar cruise control.

Angry customers took to social media to express their concerns about the missing equipment. A number received their deposits back or demanded a full refund.

Ford Australia initially responded by offering all customers – including those who bought a Mustang Mach 1 after the brochure error was corrected on 29 April 2021 – free scheduled servicing for three years plus an exclusive track day experience, in lieu of the missing features.

However, some customers were still not happy with this arrangement.

Ford Australia this week advised dealers – who in turn started contacting customers – of the final make-good offer.

The first approximately 450 customers who ordered a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 before 29 April 2021 – while there was incorrect information on Ford Australia’s website – have now been offered the choice of a $5400 cash back settlement, a refund on the purchase price of the car, a refund of their deposit, or accept three years of routine servicing (valued at $1430) and an exclusive track day experience. 

A statement from Ford Australia said: “Over the past few weeks we have contacted our Mach 1 customers who ordered prior to 29 April 2021 to advise them of the (equipment) differences and to offer a special Ford Performance Experience and up to three years free scheduled servicing on their Mach 1, to help alleviate any disappointment resulting from our error. 

“Now that we’ve had these discussions, over the next couple of days we’ll be writing to Mach 1 customers who ordered prior to 29 April to outline all options available, which now include: a cash payment of $5400; or up to three years free scheduled servicing, and a Ford Performance Experience; or a full refund of their deposit (or purchase price).”

Ford Australia said for any customers who ordered a Mustang Mach 1 after 29 April 2021, “we are pleased to extend a goodwill offer of up to three years free scheduled servicing and Ford Performance Experience. Those customers will also receive a letter outlining this, over the next couple of days.”

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