Hal Sperlich, Father of Mustang and Minivan, Dies at 95

Hal Sperlich, the legendary automotive executive known for his pivotal role in creating the Ford Mustang and Chrysler minivan, passed away at the age of 95. Joining Ford in 1957, Sperlich was instrumental in the development of the Mustang, which debuted in 1964 and became a cultural icon, selling over 400,000 units in its first year. After his tenure at Ford, he joined Chrysler in 1977, where he developed the K-Car platform that revitalized the company and led to the creation of the minivan, which redefined family transportation. His innovative spirit earned him recognition in the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2009. Tributes from industry leaders, including Ford CEO Jim Farley, highlight Sperlich's visionary contributions and mentorship. His legacy continues to influence automotive design and consumer expectations today.