Mustang Convertible Begins Production; receives Car and Driver's 10Best award

The 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible has begun production this week at Ford\'s Auto Alliance International (AAI) plant this week. At the Job One Celebration, Car and Driver editor-in-chief Csaba Csere presented the 10Best award to AAI President, Phil Spender. The new Mustang convertible received the Best Muscle Car accolade.

\"To succeed today you need a car that\'s hitting on all cylinders. It has to deliver style, quality, utility -- even if only a little bit -- as well as performance and value,\" said Csaba Csere, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver magazine. \"Mustang does all of that, and that\'s why we selected it to our 10Best list as Best Muscle Car for 2005.\"

Csere made this statement before Ford employees at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) in Flat Rock, Michigan – the Mustang\'s new home. Csere also praised the new Mustang\'s quality and reviewed its history dating back to April 17, 1964, when the first model went on sale.

\"Back in the \'60s that car cut across demographic bounds,\" said Csere. \"It was an affordable car, and everyone could buy a Mustang. But you saw a lot of Mustangs in the driveways of very rich people because the car was cool. The new Mustang has the potential for doing that as well. But it has to have a certain level of quality and refinement, and this car has achieved that. After touring the plant this morning I can see how that happened. This is a thoroughly modern facility that totally keeps track of the quality of the car.\"

Matt DeMars, vice president of Vehicle Operations, in accepting the award said that, \"We\'ve known for a long time we had a hit with the 2005 Mustang, and while customer excitement, and recognition like making Car and Driver\'s \'10Best\' confirms what we always knew, it is still very gratifying,\"

Compared to other coupe-derived vehicles, the 2005 Mustang Convertible has a more rigid body structure and is more solid. This was achieved by engineering it in tandem with the coupe. The result is the most quiet and solid drop top Mustang has ever produced, according to DeMars.

AAI President Phil Spender said the Mustang would begin shipping to dealers immediately. In addition to the new Mustang Convertible, AAI builds the Mustang Coupe and three body styles of Mazda6. Ford Motor Company invested $700 million in the plant last fall. It is now a flexible facility capable of building half-dozen vehicles on two platforms. AAI houses a new body shop with 380 robots and flexible tooling, as well as an upgraded stamping operation. Major upgrades to the final assembly area include programmable platforms that hold the car\'s body on a scissor lift that can be adjusted to the operator\'s height making it more ergonomic.

The 2005 Mustang Convertible is but another testament to Ford\'s continuing legacy of excellence and innovation in the auto industry. As in all Ford models, a Mustang Convertible will experience automotive technology at its best. This experience is further enhanced by efficient maintenance and preservation. A great and secure way to maintain a vehicle is by installing only excellent quality parts purchased from reputable auto parts stores. In the past looking for a trusted parts supplier takes more tme and effort.

Fortunately, the internet makes shopping for parts a lot easier. There are dozens of sites that offer Ford parts. But a buyer must be cautious when choosing where to buy Ford Parts. It is best if they stick with a trusted and reputable auto parts store such as Parts Train, one of the leading online auto parts stores today. Check out http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD and browse their wide selection of proven, high-quality Ford Parts, specifically Ford Mustang Parts.

About The Author


Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

jenny@partstrain.com