Ford Ending C-Max, Grand C-Max Production In Germany This June

Everyone knew it was coming but now it’s official: Ford has confirmed it will cease C-Max and Grand C-Max production at the Saarlouis plant in Germany at the end of June.

That will coincide with the end of the vehicle’s normal life cycle, Ford says, adding that the plant will continue to build the new Focus, particularly higher margin variants such as the Wagon, Active and ST.

“The actions announced today represent an important step towards delivering the products our customers want and a more competitive business for our stakeholders,” said Steven Armstrong, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Ford-Werke GmbH. “We will continue to invest in Focus and those products that are proving to deliver a healthier business for us going forward.”

Ford Grand C-Max

As production of the two compact minivans ceases in late June, Ford of Europe will cancel the night shift and move to a two-shift operating pattern to “reduce structural cost and increase efficiency.” The moves are part of Ford of Europe’s restructuring plan announced in January this year that aims to strengthen the brand and create “a sustainably profitable business in Europe.”

Ford-Werke GmbH already had informed Saarlouis plant employees in December 2018 about plans to stop building the C-Max/Grand C-Max. The automaker says this decision was made due to a sharp drop in customer demand for Multi Activity Vehicles (MAV) in the segment.

Ford C-Max

The Blue Oval didn’t say how many Saarlouis employees will be laid off, but mentioned that the move is part of the plan to cut more than 5,000 jobs at the Cologne and Saarlouis plants. Besides the C-Max and Grand C-Max, the Saarlouis facility currently builds the Focus hatchback, Wagon, ST, and Active versions.

Ford of Europe’s restructuring plan also includes the shut down of an automatic transmission plant in Bordeaux, France from August 2019 and three Russian plants — two vehicle assembly factories in Naberezhnye Chelny and St. Petersburg and an engine plant in Elabuga.