For the first time in its 50-year history, the Ford Mustang will be available to customers around the world in more than 100 markets. First shipments of the all-new Mustang are headed for Asia, with vehicles arriving in Europe by mid-2015.

The all-new Mustang – assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan – now joins other Ford and Lincoln vehicles exported to countries abroad. In 2013, Ford Motor Company shipped more than 380,000 vehicles from the United States, making the automaker a top US exporter of vehicles.

“Henry Ford exported the sixth Model A assembled in 1903 and we continue this legacy today,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “The success of our One Ford plan presents opportunities for growth in global markets. Exporting Ford and Lincoln vehicles to Asia Pacific and beyond is an important part of Ford’s global growth story. Mustang is just one more example of the international demand for Ford cars and trucks.”

Mustangs exported from the United States undergo a series of steps to ensure compliance with vehicle standards in the destination countries. At each port’s homologation centre, Ford and Lincoln vehicles receive finishing touches that follow specific engineering work completed in production at the plant. Vehicles undergo proper customs documentation and tracking and certain vehicles receive an underbody coating and documents in the destination country language.

“Preparing these vehicles for shipment to their final destination is critical to satisfying both customer and regulatory requirements for our markets around the world,” said Gerald Schoenle, director, Ford Trading Company. “We want our customers globally to know that their Ford vehicles will meet emissions, safety and road-worthiness requirements.”

The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s global vehicle lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 of these markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.

The Mustang joins a lineup of Ford vehicles produced in the US and exported around the world. The Explorer is largely produced at Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois and exported to a number of markets, including China. In 2012, Ford exported just 200 Explorers to China; in 2014, that number increased to more than 9,000. In September 2014, Ford began shipping Lincoln vehicles from the Port of Portland to China, marking a significant milestone for the brand globally.