The Ford Mustang became a cultural icon, forever associated with the decade of the 1960s. It gained unprecedented acceptance in Mexico after it was first produced in 1964. With its distinct styling, the Mustang forms an important part of the Ford brand and the history of Mexican motoring. In the 1920s, the famous Ford Model T played a crucial role in Mexico City’s modernization. Given that Mexico was a natural market for the expansion of American industry, in 1925, the Ford Motor Company, S.A. inaugurated its plant and facilities in Mexico City, becoming the first automaker to assemble finished autos in this first plant. The Ford Model Ts had remarkable success and were popularly known as “Fortingos.” While many were used as taxis, many more were acquired by Mexican drivers for personal transport. As the final text of the Mexico-United States-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) was being completed and signed, Ford Motor Company decided to manufacture its new electric-powered Mustang in Mexico. The decision points to high expectations that the USMCA will be approved by the U.S. Congress, which will enable trade relations between the two countries to strengthen. The electric Mustang also confirms Detroit’s commitment to produce cars powered by electricity. The Mustang Mach E, designed as an SUV, faces the challenge of convincing consumers to pay the additional cost of a vehicle powered by batteries, compared to the somewhat lower cost of a gasoline-powered vehicle. The announcement of Ford’s investment in Mexico provides evidence of the advantages of trade arrangements between the two countries and highlights the importance of economic cooperation and free trade.
