Ford Celebrates All-New Mustang Going Global

It may come as something of a surprise to a lot of people, but despite the iconic stature of the Ford Mustang, it is only now going on sale in markets all over the globe. Even though it is almost as well-known and much-loved all over the world as it is here in its homeland, this year will be the first time that the legendary Ford has been made available for sale through main dealers in as many as 100 global markets. The first shipments have only recently left for Asian dealers, while Europe is set to start taking delivery of its first-ever officially supplied Mustangs around the middle of the year.

Although other Ford and Lincoln models manufactured here in the U.S. have been going for export for some time now, it’s hard to overstate the magnitude and the importance of the move to take the Mustang to the world at last. The U.S. auto giant exported in excess of 380,000 vehicles in 2013, but demand around the world for the 2015 Mustang could see that total exceeded by the end of the year. Ford is already the top U.S. vehicle exporter, so unleashing its most legendary model for the first time to an eagerly anticipating global market looks sure to cement that position further.

Joe Hinrichs, the Ford president of The Americas, said of this momentous move, “Henry Ford exported the sixth Model A assembled in 1903 and we continue this legacy today. 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.”

While it’s great news for auto enthusiasts around the world that they will be able to buy Mustangs from local dealers for the first time in their own countries, it’s even better news for the U.S. auto industry and the economy in general. Around 3,000 employees work two shifts at full capacity to produce the Mustang and the Fusion at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, which also saw the milestone passed in 2013 of the 1 millionth Mustang produced there. In addition to all the jobs at the plant itself, the Mustang also generates work for suppliers in 25 different states and a further 100 jobs at the Port of Portland, which now supports Ford’s exports bound for Asia and other markets around the world.

Although many markets will take the Mustang in pretty much the same form as we know it here, some 25 markets will be getting the first-ever right-hand-drive versions of the iconic muscle car. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa have been importing left-hand-drive Mustangs for decades, but they will soon have the luxury of finally being able to buy a model that has the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car, or the correct side if you look at it from their point of view.

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