FLAT ROCK, MICH. – Ford is investing $700 million to expand its Flat Rock assembly plant and hire 700 new workers to build self-driving and electric vehicles along with the Mustang and Lincoln Continental already produced at the Downriver site.
"This is a vote of confidence for president elect trump and some of the policies he may be pursuing," Fields at the plant today.
Ford was repeatedly under fire from Trump during last year's presidential campaign for its decision to move production of small cars to Mexico.
"Make no mistake about it,, Ford is a global automaker, but our home is right here in the United States," Fields said.
The plans for the two all-new vehicles are part of Ford's plans to introduce seven of its 13 new global electrified vehicles in the next five years, including hybrid versions of the iconic F-150 pickup and Mustang in the U.S., a plug-in hybrid Transit Custom van in Europe and a fully electric SUV with an expected range of at least 300 miles for customers globally.
"We expect a big change in the next decade on not only the growing affordability but also the consumer acceptance of electrified vehicles," Fields said.
The moves are part of a $4.5 billion investment in electrified vehicles by 2020, part of Ford's expansion to be an auto and a mobility company.