Ford backs autism event

Ford Ireland has confirmed it is to sponsor a drive by a fleet of 25 Mustangs from Chicago to California later this year, which has Irish Autism Action as its charity partner.

The 2015 Ford Mustang Drive Experience will see a fleet of 25 new Ford Mustangs taking in some of the most famous roads and milestones in the US including Tulsa, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, Indian Reservation, as well as the legendary Route 66 (old and new) before reaching its final destination in Santa Monica.

The event, which has Irish Autism Action as its charity partner and is being organised by tour operator Celtic Horizon Tours, will depart Ireland for Chicago on September 18 and return on October 1, during which time participants will have travelled 4,000 kilometres through eight US States and three time zones.

The Ford Mustang Drive Experience will form part of the celebrations around the launch of the new 2015 Ford Mustang which will go on sale across Europe for the first time in the car’s 50-year history.

The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang will arrive in Ireland later this year, the first time that a right-hand drive version of the car will be available here.

Speaking at the launch of the 2015 Ford Mustang Drive Experience, the Managing Director of Ford Ireland, Ciarán McMahon, said that the event was a world first that would capture the imagination of car lovers and adventurous spirits on both sides of the Atlantic.

“It’s a road trip that I think most people have dreamed about undertaking at some point in their life, myself included, and it’s going to be incredibly exciting. The fact that the event will feature one of the most famous motoring icons in history, the Ford Mustang, makes it all the more special,” he added.

Paul Scholes, former Manchester United midfielder and an ambassador for Irish Autism Action, has thanked Ford for its support for the event.

“Huge thanks to Ford Ireland for supporting the Ford Mustang Drive Experience, it is truly a once in a lifetime adventure… But aside from the fun associated with the trip, it will also help to raise awareness and much-needed funds that will benefit children with autism in Ireland”.

As part of its sponsorship, Ford Ireland has donated one of the Mustangs that will take part in the event to Irish Autism Action, which the charity will use as part of its fund-raising activity.

Full details of itinerary and prices from www.celtichorizontours.com