Ford has announced that the all-new Edge SUV will be assembled at the Oakville Assembly plant near Toronto, Canada, from where it will be exported to more than 60 countries worldwide.
Ford has invested C$700 million (US$637 million) in the plant to make it one of the most competitive and advanced global manufacturing facilities in Canada, while preserving 2,800 jobs.
“The decision to produce the all-new global Edge in Canada is proof that Canadian manufacturers can compete, and win, globally,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
“We’re ready to showcase Oakville Assembly’s commitment to craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing to deliver what our global customers want and value – a high-quality vehicle with class-leading design, fuel efficiency and performance,” the executive added.
Oakville Assembly currently manufactures Ford Edge and Ford Flex, as well as Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKT.
The next-generation Ford Edge was previewed by the Edge Concept, which made its world premiere at the LA Auto Show last year. Ford produced the 1 millionth Edge in 2013 since production of the nameplate started in 2006.
The global utility segment grew 13 percent in 2013, with Ford outperforming the category with 35 percent growth and more than 1.2 million vehicles sold worldwide. Ford expects the utility segment to grow 30 percent in 2014 in markets outside North America, following a spectacular 112-percent growth in 2013. Utility sales are expected to total approximately 600,000 vehicles this year in markets outside North America.
By Dan Mihalascu
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