Stopped by comedian Jimmy Fallon Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn The Free Press learned Friday afternoon that Ford CEO Jim Farley and workers at the plant that produces the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon host spent about an hour touring the new factory with Farley and plant manager Corey Williams and Fallon Gates, a manufacturing communications specialist who led on-site tours.
“I’m not sure who enjoyed the visit more, the staff at Rouge Electric Vehicle Center or Jimmy Fallon,” said Fallon Gates, who had a very funny moment introducing himself to the famous visitor. “Everyone was smiling. Jimmy said the tour really blew his mind.”
Jimmy Fallon made several stops in metro Detroit; It was just one, Ford said.
Factory workers cheered on Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley. Jim Farley’s late cousin.
They flocked to take photos with the TV host, and many asked the CEO to use employees’ cellphones to snap photos as soon as possible.
The factory workers yelled, “We love you,” and Fallon yelled right back.
The TV host, who was discussing the infamous “frunk” on his talk show, stopped by. Site meeting the workers installing a huge front trunk on a pickup truck.
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Fallon tweeted a video of himself singing “Junk in my Frunk” on May 21.
On Friday, he showed UAW workers photos of the old F-150 and talked trucks, trucks, trucks.
Ford confirmed the incident to the Free Press in the afternoon.
The cordial meeting between Farley and Fallon came a week after Ford posted adjusted earnings of $3.7 billion in the second quarter, which beat industry expectations. Lightning plays a key role in Ford’s strategy.
In the past, Fallon has joked that his Ford pickup was bigger than the apartment he had when he started working on “SNL” in 1998.
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Checked out several products including CEO and talk show host Lightning, Bronco Raptor and the Mustang Shelby GT500. And they rode the track together.
Farley tweeted photos from the trip at 7:11pm on Friday, saying, “So excited to welcome @JimmyFallon to @Ford. Fun day at the track and at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, surprising our teams that build the #F150Lightning. Thanks. Jimmy!”
Fallon responded to Farley on Twitter 17 minutes later: “You’re so smart, funny, and badass. Most importantly, you treat your employees like family and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing that firsthand. Thanks for inviting me… or I’d come hang out.” !!!!”
A crew from WDIV-TV (Channel 4), the NBC affiliate that broadcasts Fallon’s show and “SNL,” was invited to stop by the track and interview Fallon and Farley.
Jimmy Fallon may have a special place in his heart for the Motor City.
He agreed to be a guest on Spotify Drive podcast hosted by Farley This year marked the role that cars play in our personal lives. None were paid for the show.
Ford said Friday that Fallon didn’t pay for his stop, he just did.
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Contact Phoebe Wall Howard:313-618-1034orphoward@freepress.com.Follow him on Twitter@phoebesaid. Read more Ford and sign up for us newsletter cars.