Flat Rock is not idled for the first time in this year.
Ford is a clear example of how semiconductor shortages continue to wreak havoc in the automotive industry. Ford has had to stop Mustang production once again. Blue Oval’s ponycar was also on hiatus in January due to the same reason. The Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan will be on a pause for the next week. This will come after 2021, when the production of the iconic sports car was greatly affected by the absence of microchips.
The ‘Stang is still the most popular sports car in the world. It sold just under 70,000 units around the globe last year. The Mach-E suffix is not included in the numbers. The main market for the gasoline-fueled machine, accounting for 76 percent of all sales, was the United States.
The sixth-generation Mustang (S550), is nearing the end of its lifespan. The new model is expected in 2023. The Mustang has been seen a few times in heavy camouflage. However, a few supposedly legitimate leaks have revealed the S650 with no disguise at all. The V8 will be available alongside a smaller EcoBoost engine.
Ford’s Mustang is one of few American sports cars sold in Europe. We are curious to see if the next-gen model will make it onto the Old Continent. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 will be available with Euro 7 regulations in place in a few years. We’d be happy to see a turbocharged engine with a smaller displacement if it doesn’t.
According to Autoline Daily, the Mustang two-door will become purely electric by the end of the decade. Ford is expected to begin production in December 2028, when it will retire the traditional ICE model. The S650 will have a five-year life span, which is oddly short. The current-gen model is in production for almost eight years.