Mustang meeting at Røhne and Selmer

rohne — The original. "Lillegul" itself was the natural focal point of the meeting.

How to create brand affinity

In the US, there has always been a rivalry between Ford owners and Chevy owners. It's almost like religion or politics. Either you are a Republican or a Democrat. Either you drink Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Either you drive a Ford or a Chevy.

I have driven the Chevy for a couple of years while overseas. I would never trade my Chevy Silverado for a Ford. I love Cadillac, not Lincoln. I think the Impala/Caprice are decent cars that I have driven a lot as rental cars. I have no similar relationship with Ford. But when it comes to Camaro or Mustang, I have no doubt. It has to be the Mustang – the original of Pony Cars.

It's about feelings. Like the English football team you choose to follow. Is it possible to form feelings for Ford?

- Yay, I've bought a new Focus, sort of.

I visited Røhne and Selmer in Billingstad on Saturday. They organized Mustang meets. I was greeted with country tunes from "Alabama" and a row of classic and new Mustangs. Most Norwegians, myself included, are "closet Americans". If you're a bit fond of cars, you can't let this pass you by. Mustang has remained true to Henry Ford's basic philosophy of building simple, beautiful cars for the people. Well, a new Mustang with a 5,0 V8 probably costs about 1,2 million, or something like that, but then you get a car that you can drive with dignity for the rest of your life.

In the middle of the square stands "Lillegul" from the Burning films. The owner, Richard Andersen, is also there and I believe he is signing posters. The queue of hopeful adults and children is getting long. I look at the cars. I am fascinated by the Mk6, the latest model. The yellow one, which is the same one that was unsold last year - is still for sale. It appears as a new edition of "Lillegul". I also stop at a blue metallic convertible. I hear several people commenting on the great color. I find, as usual, several Mk1s that are built from brand new parts. Engine compartment that looks brand new. Seats and fittings - all new. This is possible, because all these parts can be bought new. Mk1 owners have a nice hobby.

In an age where all cars look exactly the same, it can be difficult to create brand affiliation. It becomes like gasoline. We choose the cheapest or nearest gas station, and hitch a ride in whichever logo is on the pumps. When the Ford dealer, Røhne and Selmer Billingstad, arrange Mustang meets, they advertise that it is de who is behind the Mustang. An attempt to avoid the Ford brand disappearing in the crowd...