Ford CEO Alan Mullaly Meets Mustang Nation at 45th
Story by Sam Haymart
The man behind Ford's recovery takes time to meet the enthusiasts.
05-07-09: Ford CEO Alan Mullaly made a star appearance at the MCA Mustang 45th Anniversary Celebration at Birmingham, AL last month, meeting and rubbing elbows with the Mustang illuminati. While Mr. Mullaly has been busy doing his part to lead Ford to recovery, he made time to spend the day at Barber Motorsports Park doing meet and greets, even joined the Mustang Club of America.
His friendly and amicable style was a welcome one with enthusiasts whom he spent time with including the nine original Mustang owners. These long term enthusiasts were the remaining few who had purchased their 1964 ½ Mustangs brand new and still owned them. Mr. Mullaly addressed the crowd at the opening ceremonies, announcing his recent application to be a member of the MCA.
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Throughout the day he was seen mingling about. At the Ford pavillion he signed one of the 2010 Mustang hoods alongside the hundreds of others who were doing the same. A short drive on the road circuit in a GT-500 convertible was followed with a rap session with America’s drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr.
He also spent some time meeting with the Mustang journalists to talk about his experience at the Mustang birthday party. He shared his amazement and impressions about the massive crowds in attendance, who had come from all over the US and several foreign countries. Over 15 countries were represented including large contingents from the Mustang Club of France and the Mustang Owners Club of Australia.
When asked by one of the journalists which Mustang was his favorite, he answered “I love all the children”. He then went on to give a detailed list of each and every Ford model that is currently being produced and what makes it special. His inner professor showed through as he went down the list in a deliberative way.
To have the CEO of Ford at the Mustang anniversary bash has become a tradition that Mustang enthusiasts always enjoy. It gives them the opportunity to meet Ford’s leadership, but also gives those at the helm the opportunity to see what Mustanging is really about.
