Mustang muscles into right-hand-drive market
THE iconic Ford Mustang is now powering into the right-hand-drive markets, which includes the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Cyprus, Malta and the Caribbean.
The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s global vehicle line-up allows export to more than 25 of its 100 markets.
Assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan, Mustang retains its historical roots, with minimal unique content for individual markets.
While this is the first time Ford has produced a right-hand-drive version of the iconic pony car (previous RHD versions were produced by do-it-yourselfers using conversion kits), it’s not the first time Ford has built RHD vehicles in the United States. There were also right-hand-drive versions of the Ford Probe, Taurus, Explorer, Maverick and Cougar, with the last U.S.-produced RHD vehicle rolling off a production line about 10 years ago.
Although many of the same parts are used in left- and right-hand drive vehicles, production is more involved than shifting the steering wheel from one side of the car to the other.
Changes had to be made, but according to Matt Sroka, Flat Rock Assembly launch manager, the set up is designed to prevent mistakes.
“The Flat Rock Assembly Plant was designed for building left-hand-drive vehicles, so we had to make some adjustments, such as routing the end-of-line testing to the right-hand side,” he said. “We also needed longer cables and extensions.
“But Manufacturing Engineering did a great job. The team evaluated the site and designed modifications to the tools we use, then provided detailed instructions to place at every work station.”
The changes were part of a US$555 million investment in the plant, which included the addition of a fully flexible body shop to allow multiple models to be produced on the same line.
Sroka also noted that not everything involved with producing a right-hand drive vehicle is different. “The rear of the car is identical. Plus the interior is mirrored, so it’s not difficult to swap the radio, stalks, etc.”
Part of Mustang’s eventual success on the global stage will come from providing customers with what they want and ease of ordering. The expertise of Emerging Market Services employees in facilitating vehicle sales in 85 markets around the world is being tapped to ensure customer and dealer satisfaction.
While exported vehicles are often pre-configured – reducing ordering options and vehicle complexity – that won’t be the case with the Mustang. “We’re offering a full complement of orderable combinations,” says Samantha Hoyt, product marketing manager, EMS. “Customers will have a seamless experience. We’re treating right-hand-drive as if it were any other option.”
It’s available with an automatic or manual transmission, a V8, 3.7-litre V6 or 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine and in a hard top or convertible.
Customers eagerly await delivery of the first right-hand-drive models in markets such as the United Kingdom. Almost 2,000 Ford Mustang orders have been taken in the U.K. since January. First customer deliveries are expected in November, with extra supply secured to meet the greater-than-expected demand.
Customer anticipation for Mustang in Europe was obvious last year when Ford opened pre-ordering for 500 Mustangs during the 2014 UEFA Champions League finals; customers filled the pre-order list in mere minutes.