Worldwide Live
Ford celebrates the global launch of the 2015 Mustang
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
While it has been available outside the U.S. in sporadic instances, today the Mustang becomes a truly global vehicle. For the first time in its 50 years of existence, the premier pony car will be available in more than 100 markets across the world, including Europe and Asia.
“Henry Ford exported the sixth Model A assembled in 1903 and we continue this legacy today,†Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas, said. “The success of our One Ford plan presents opportunities for growth in global markets. Exporting Ford and Lincoln vehicles to Asia Pacific and beyond is an important part of Ford’s global growth story. Mustang is just one more example of the international demand for Ford cars and trucks.â€
As we know, the 2015 Mustang is built in Flat Rock, Michigan, but making that happen are suppliers from over 25 states in the United States. Ramping up the production to support worldwide demand means that not only are the 3,000 workers at Flat Rock provided jobs, but the suppliers are busy too. Even the Port of Portland had to staff up by 100 jobs to support the Asian exports of Ford vehicles.
“Serving as a gateway for exports of new Ford vehicles to China and Korea has helped boost employment and bolster our local economy,†Bill Wyatt, executive director for the Port of Portland, said. “Auto exports and imports support more than 500 jobs at our marine terminals, and they have been an important part of our diverse cargo portfolio since 1953.â€
To ensure the Mustangs are ready to hit the high seas for the destinations across the world, they must undergo a strict homologation process to ensure they meet the requirements of their intended countries. Of course, they also go through customs and Ford tracks their whereabouts from shipment to delivery. You can learn a bit more about that process here:
“Preparing these vehicles for shipment to their final destination is critical to satisfying both customer and regulatory requirements for our markets around the world,†Gerald Schoenle, director, Ford Trading Company, said. “We want our customers globally to know that their Ford vehicles will meet emissions, safety and road-worthiness requirements.â€
Eventually, the right-hand-drive version of the new Mustang will allow the car to service more than 25 markets, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa.
