the production of the 2013 Ford Fusion midsize sedan. On July 15, 2015, Ford confirmed that the new 2017 Lincoln Continental sedan would be produced at the Flat Rock plant starting in 2016. On January 3, 2017, Ford announced that it will begin manufacturing an electric small SUV by 2020, and a high passenger volume autonomous vehicle designed for commercial ride hailing or ride sharing by 2021, both to be built at Flat Rock. Ford reduced production of the plant from two shifts to one due to lower demand for the Ford Mustang and especially the Lincoln Continental. Over 1,000 workers were laid off in April 2019, including almost 500 temporary workers. In March 2019, Ford announced change of its plan, production of battery-electric vehicle would not start until 2023. Products Current Ford Mustang (2005–present) Past Lincoln Continental (2017–2020) Ford Fusion (2013–2016) Mazda 6 (2003–2012) Mercury Cougar (1999–2002) Mazda 626 (1990–2002) Ford Probe (1989–1997) Mazda MX-6 (1988–1997) References Further reading Fucini, Joseph J. Working for the Japanese. Simon & Schuster, June 30, 2008. , 9781439106488. The section starting at p. 101 discusses Japanese employees from Mazda working in the Flat Rock Assembly Plant along with Americans in the 1980s. Ford factories Mazda factories Joint ventures Motor vehicle assembly plants in Michigan Buildings and structures in Wayne County, Michigan 1972 establishments in Michigan