Ford Ireland has confirmed that it will sponsor the inaugural Ford Mustang Drive Experience

The 2015 Ford Mustang Drive Experience will see a fleet of 25 new Ford Mustangs driving from Chicago to California, 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 18 September and return on 1 October, during which time, participants will have travelled 4000 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 stunning 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.

“This is such an exciting drive and a grand, bold venture that will take participants from the east to the west coast of America in the most romantic way and give them the chance to be the first people in Ireland to experience the new 2015 Mustang,” said Mr. McMahon. “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. “The 2015 Ford Mustang is an instant classic, one of the most talked-about cars of the year, and the Ford Mustang Drive Experience will ensure that it makes even more headlines. We can’t wait for the journey to begin”, said Mr McMahon.

Paul Scholes, former Manchester United midfielder and an ambassador for Irish Autism Action said: “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.

The Ford Mustang Drive Experience begins on 18 September, with corporate and individual packages available from Celtic Horizon Tours. Full details of itinerary and prices from www.celtichorizontours.com