2015 Ford Mustang goes global today

Alisa Priddle | Detroit Free Press

The Mustang is officially global. Starting today, Ford is exporting the pony car from the plant in Flat Rock, Mich., to markets around the world.

Taking the 2015 model worldwide only furthers Ford's status as a top U.S. exporter of vehicles. It has been tracking ahead of General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in recent years.

After 50 years as a North America-only car, the new Mustang was designed and engineered for customers in more than 100 markets, with the first shipments headed to Asia. European customers can get prices and place orders starting Tuesday. The first deliveries will arrive midyear.

Ford will export both the hardtop and convertible, and it had to ensure the car can withstand blazing desert heat, rough China roads and the speeds of Europe's autobahn.

To help with the global distribution, 100 jobs have been added at the Port of Portland, a primary jumping-off point for shipments of Ford and Lincoln vehicles to China and Korea.

Portland is one of eight ports in five states — Oregon, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and California — where logistics arm Ford Trading Co. has vehicle centers. Shipments to Europe will use the Maryland port.

About 3,000 employees on two shifts at the Flat Rock plant make Mustangs for all markets, as well as the Ford Fusion midsize sedan. The Mustang's new global mandate means making versions with right-hand drive for about 25 new markets including Britain, Australia and South Africa.

Each car undergoes a series of steps to make sure it complies with the vehicle standards in the destination countries. Some of the final work is done at a Ford center at each port, such as attaching stickers or making sure there is an owner's manual in the proper language. Some vehicles are sprayed with an additional underbody coating to protect them while at sea.

Vehicles must have the proper customs documentation — sometimes in the language of the country it is being shipped to — and tracking information so Ford can follow the car's progress and delivery.

"Preparing these vehicles for shipment to their final destination is critical to satisfying both customer and regulatory requirements for our markets around the world," said Gerald Schoenle, director of Ford Trading Co. "We want our customers globally to know that their Ford vehicles will meet emissions, safety and road-worthiness requirements."

In 2013, Ford shipped more than 380,000 vehicles from the U.S., making the automaker a top U.S. exporter of vehicles. That was up from 2012, and officials predict 2014 exports will reach 400,000 units. Final figures will be released in March or April.

The Explorer, for example, which is made at the Chicago assembly plant, increased shipments from 200 SUVs sent to China in 2012 to more than 9,000 in 2014.

And Ford introduced the Lincoln brand in China in the latter part of 2014, and began shipping the MKC from its Louisville plant to the automaker's first eight dealers. Lincoln expects to have 25 dealers in China by the end of the year, said Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra.

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

A Mustang for all markets:

■ The 2015 Ford Mustang was designed to be a global car from the outset. While the hardtop and convertible were created knowing they would be sold in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, it retained its American styling, which is a key selling point for foreign markets.

■ Ambitious export plans to more than 100 countries mean the car must be available in both left- and right-hand drive.

■ The air conditioning has to handle soaring temperatures in the Middle East and have protection against blowing sand.

■ To meet pedestrian safety regulations in Europe, the front fender is low and gradually builds to the hood. And it has to be able to handle Autobahn speeds.

■ The car must be sturdy enough to handle rough roads in parts of China.

■ There is a choice of an entry-level V6, a premium 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine or performance V8. The car has a new suspension and independent rear axle.