Flat Rock, Mich. �� June 22, 2004: The following statement is from Phil Spender, president and CEO, AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI), a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Mazda Corp.:
"AAI stands as a worldwide model in advanced automotive manufacturing systems and processes. We are training 1,400 hourly employees in highly technical job skills needed to build the all-new 2005 Ford Mustang. With this $5 million training grant, the U.S. Department of Labor is making an important investment in the future of U.S. auto manufacturing and is helping to grow jobs and train workers in Michigan. We are working closely with our partners at the Downriver Community Conference to assist with administering the training program and we greatly appreciate the assistance received from the U.S. Department of Labor."