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2015 Mustang starts production at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant; car
to be exported globally for the first time in its 50-year history
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New Mustang goes on sale this fall in the United States, and in more
than 120 countries next year
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Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand
with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced
ride comfort
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
FLAT ROCK, Mich. -- (Business Wire)
The highly anticipated, all-new Ford Mustang rolls off the line today at
Flat Rock Assembly Plant, marking production of the sixth-generation
pony car. For the first time in its 50-year history, Mustang will be
available globally to customers in more than 120 countries around the
world.
The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s global vehicle
lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25
right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United Kingdom,
Australia and South Africa.
“Mustang is and will continue to be an automotive icon,” said Joe
Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Expanding its availability
globally affords our customers around the world the opportunity to have
a true firsthand Mustang experience – one unlike any other.”
In April, Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the original Mustang.
In commemoration of this, each 2015 model will be adorned with a badge
on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the
words “Mustang – Since 1964.”
Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the more than 9.2 million cars sold in
its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of
appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the
most-liked vehicle on Facebook, with close to 8 million likes.
An enhanced experience, but still a true Mustang
The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral
experience that makes drivers want to get in and hit the open road. The
clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the
essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements –
including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – in a contemporary
execution.
With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any
lifestyle. The upgraded V8 is joined by a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new
2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art
technology to Mustang.
Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8
– now featuring upgraded valvetrain, new intake manifold and improved
cylinder heads – that yields 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable
cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver the performance
Mustang drivers expect with an output of 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft.
of torque.
With Mustang, it’s all in the ride
When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new Mustang sets new handling
benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride
quality.
Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the
front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while
reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel
control that benefits handling, steering and ride.
At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent suspension.
Geometry, springs, dampers and bushings are all specially tuned for this
high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce
unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
Transformed Flat Rock Assembly Plant
In 2013, nine years after moving Mustang production there, Flat Rock
Assembly Plant celebrated the 1
millionth Mustang built at the facility.
“What an honor it is for the hardworking and dedicated UAW Local 3000
workers of Flat Rock Assembly Plant to build the next-generation
Mustang,” said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles. “I don’t think there is
any place in the world where this vehicle is not known. To build it
right here in Michigan is something to be proud of.”
In the last year, the plant has been transformed. As part of a $555
million investment, it has added a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body
shop to allow multiple models to be produced on the same line,
supporting Ford’s flexible manufacturing efforts. Other technologies
recently incorporated at Flat Rock include three-wet
paint process, dirt
detection and laser brazing.
In addition to Mustang, Flat Rock Assembly Plant also produces Ford
Fusion. The facility has approximately 3,000 employees working two
shifts at full line speed.
Flat Rock Assembly Plant has been producing vehicles since 1987, when it
opened as Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA and built Mazda MX-6. Ford
purchased a 50 percent share in the facility in 1992, and it was renamed
AutoAlliance International. Over the years, the plant has produced Mazda
626, Mazda6, Mercury Cougar and Ford Probe.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford
Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six
continents. With about 186,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the
company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more
information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company
Kristina Adamski, 313.323.7809
kadamsk1@ford.com
or
Brian
Cotter, 313.322.5024
bcotter8@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company
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