Ford kicked off production of the new 2015 Mustang at its Flat Rock, Mich., plant today as the automaker prepares to bring the sixth-generation sports car to markets worldwide.   

The all-new Mustang was developed as a global model with right-hand drive versions for more than 25 markets including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Expected in U.S. showrooms this fall, the 2015 Mustang will be sold in more than 120 countries next year. Its engine options include a 5-liter V8 generating 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque; the base 3.7-liter V6; or the new 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which produces 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.

The Flat Rock facility has around 3,000 employees working in two shifts. Ford has invested some $555 million into the plant to build the sixth-generation Mustang and implement production of the midsize Ford Fusion.

"What an honor it is for the hardworking and dedicated UAW Local 3000 workers of Flat Rock Assembly Plant to build the next-generation Mustang," said Jimmy Settles, head of the Ford division of the United Auto Workers, as quoted by the Free Press. "I don't think there is any place in the world where this vehicle is not known. To build it right here in Michigan is something to be proud of."

The base 2015 Mustang will start at $24,425, which reflects a 4.7 percent increase from the previous model, Bloomberg News reported.  

Mustang sales dropped 7 percent to 77,186 in 2013 but increased 3.9 percent to 50,795 this year through July.

Ford plans to debut 23 new models this year, including the 2015 Mustang. The automaker reported a net income of $2.3 billion in the first half of 2014, a drop from $2.84 billion the previous year.

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