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Mustang Rocks Flat Rock with 1 Million Ford Mustangs

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The Ford Mustang began production at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan 9 years ago. On the 49th anniversary of the launch of the first Mustang, the Flat Rock Assembly Plant rolled off the 1 millionth Mustang produced there.

“Mustang is one of the most beloved nameplates in the industry, with fans around the world and throughout Ford Motor Company,” said Rah Nair, group vice president of global product development.

The ruby red GT Convertible with the track pack is a milestone, but it is just the beginning for growth in Flat Rock. Ford has pledged $550,000 in development of the assembly plant to help support global growth of the Mustang and the addition of Fusion production. Later this year, when Fusion production is in full swing, Ford will have added 1,400 jobs and a second shift.

Mustang

Technological innovations coming to Flat Rock include an environmentally friendly three wet paint process and a new flexible body shop, brining all assembly in-house instead of shipping the vehicle off-site for certain manufacturing processes.

The Mustang has sold over 8.5 million units in 49 years, and is one of the longest continuous production model lines in existence. But the future had not always been so certain. Jimmy Settles, VP of the United Auto Workers thanked the Mustang fans and the Mustang Club of America for rallying behind the brand when Ford considered pulling the plug on the project.

Mustang

A big theme from the announcement was that the Mustang brand was going global. A big concern amongst auto enthusiasts is whether there will be a different version of the vehicle for Europe and the United States.

Mr. Nair responded to that question, “There are regulatory differences, but a Mustang is a Mustang is a Mustang.” That should make enthusiasts in Europe extremely excited.

Nr. Nair was also probed on when we will see information on the redesigned 2015 Mustang, perhaps in celebration of the 50th anniversary, “There will be a mustang in 2015,” and, “We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang.” Obviously more news is to come, but at this time Ford is keeping quiet on the highly anticipated vehicle.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Thomas Decker

    04/17/2013 at 12:44 pm

    Thankfully, it was a GT!

    • Chad Kirchner

      04/17/2013 at 5:13 pm

      Yes! I was worried for a second it might be a V6. I was even more excited to see it was equipped with the Brembo brake option!

  2. Mustang Salley

    04/20/2013 at 8:01 am

    Mustang is truly the car that started it all. I always cringe when i hear people refer to something on the mustang being ‘camaro like’ when the simple fact is that camaro was created as chevy’s copy of a mustang. The look and design is mustang and many have not only copied the look but has long copied the modifications applied via aftermarket as well. Even Aston Martin was so keen on mustangs design that they even made a doppleganger in 1977 withe the Vantage mirroring the design of the 68 fastbacks. In the beggining mustang brought personal chic style with euro Gt flare, a style unseen on american landyacht infested roads. Its small size made it personal, and in years power was added to make the performance match the looks. Now thought the car has plenty of performance lets hope 2015 reinvents the trendsetting looks as the original once did selling over a million in the first weeks of its debut.

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