Moving forward with its plan to bring 15 new vehicles to the Chinese market by 2015, and building on its impressive momentum in the Asia Pacific region, Ford Motor Company is giving visitors to Auto China 2014 an exclusive and interactive look at its growing lineup of global vehicles and innovative, smart technologies.

Ford Motor Company set a Guinness World Records® title as more than 50,000 fans worldwide signed an electronic card to celebrate the 50th birthday of the all-new Ford Mustang.

The following is a transcript of keynote remarks delivered by Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company chief operating officer, to open the 2014 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

Ford Mustang is turning 50 next week and fans everywhere are invited to sign an electronic birthday card. Everyone who wants to help commemorate 50 years of Mustang can customize and add their own birthday message for their favorite car.

The 2014 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship opens this weekend in Long Beach, Calif., but there hasn’t been much time off for Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Ford Mustang RTR. When Gittin isn’t hanging out the tail of the Mustang RTR on the Formula DRIFT circuit in the United States, he can likely be found doing it somewhere else around the world, including China and Europe.

Ford will support Mustang drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Justin Pawlak, launch a sweepstakes for a custom Fiesta ST and bring trackside displays to three key events across the United States.

Ford Motor Company is giving fans, and potential customers, in 12 cities across America a chance to get behind the wheel of its latest products with its second EcoBoost Challenge consumer drive tour.

The bold, muscular form of the all-new Ford Mustang reimagines the iconic sports car shape in a way that retains the character that fans expect from the brand while incorporating aerodynamic technology that improves fuel efficiency and performance.

Designed from the wheels up to deliver maximum drop-top enjoyment, the all-new Ford Mustang convertible is a fantastic way to escape the daily grind of life and hit the open road. With its distinct style and a completely redesigned top system, drivers can enjoy the shining sun or sparkling stars quicker with all of the performance and character expected of Mustang.

Two of the world’s most recognizable icons are coming together April 16-17, as the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang convertible will be on display on the observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York. The display – replicating the same feat from nearly 50 years ago – coincides with the global celebration of 50 years since Mustang debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.