Expanding the Ford Fusion availability by more than 30 percent, the Flat Rock Assembly Plant is now producing new Fusion vehicles. This move marks the first time that the Fusion has been built in the United States, says Ford.

“With its bold design and great fuel economy, Fusion has exceeded all of our expectations, with demand outstripping supply,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Fusion in Flat Rock is a win for all of our stakeholders – including customers, employees and dealers. At the same time, Ford is continuing its massive investment in America by creating another 1,400 jobs.”

In the U.S., Fusion sales are up 13 percent this year and remain very strong, according to Ford. Through July, Ford sold more than 181,000 Fusions — 21,000 more than were sold in the same period last year.

As part of a $555 million investment, Flat Rock Assembly Plant has added a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop to allow multiple models to be produced on the same assembly line, according to Ford. In addition, Ford has upgraded the plant’s paint shop with installation of its three-wet paint process.

“We have completely transformed Flat Rock Assembly Plant to help prepare for Fusion production,” said Tim Young, plant manager at Flat Rock Assembly Plant. “These upgrades have allowed us to ensure we are building the highest-quality cars.”

The Fusion is also produced at Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico and Chongqing Assembly Plant 1 in China, says Ford.