Ford Motor Co. has cut work shifts of UAW members at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant while in the process of launching the all-new classic 2024 Mustang, the Detroit Free Press has learned.
The automaker cut production shifts the week of April 24, the plant was down the week of May 1, and the plant is scheduled to be down again the week of May 8, Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker confirmed Friday.
The Free Press was told by a launch team member in the factory that the build-out of the 2024 model was finished in early April and final quality review is focusing specifically on:
- Fitment issues with the body panels
- Electrical issues that involve engineering
- V-8 engine valve issues
In response to an email from the Free Press outlining areas of interest listed above, Felker did not comment on the specific elements under review. She replied on April 26 and reaffirmed Friday, “We are committed to ensuring our vehicles are built with the quality our customers deserve and will take the appropriate actions to deliver this commitment.”
Felker noted that the company has modified its vehicle launch processes to focus heavily on quality, which means slowing down vehicle release to scrutinize every manufacturing detail rather than risk delivering vehicles that could end up recalled. Ford spends billions of dollars on recalls and warranty repairs annually, far more than its competitors. These costs erode profits. Ford CEO Jim Farley has said publicly that quality improvement is a top priority.
A UAW member at Flat Rock, who asked that a name not be used because they’re not authorized to speak to the news media and fears job retribution, said factory workers are frustrated by weekly robocalls with news of down time that results in temporary layoffs while the company works to remedy issues unrelated to assembly work.
Ken Tomalak, Flat Rock Assembly Plant chairman affiliated with UAW Union Local 3000, declined to comment to the Free Press. He referred inquiries to Ford.
Earlier this year, Ford halted production of its F-150 Lightning for five weeks after a Feb. 4 battery fire in the Dearborn holding lot. The company recalled 18 pickup trucks as a result, worked to identify the problem and said its battery supplier addressed the concern.
More:2024 Ford Mustang chief engineer learned to drive on a Mustang GT stick, reveals future
More:Ford is spending 3 hours quality checking every early production Super Duty pickup
More:Video of F-150 Lightning fire in Dearborn reveals melted trucks, responders’ obscenities
Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid.