Ford putting stop to Ontario-built Edge

Ford plans to cancel its next-generation Edge crossover, putting the Oakville plant that builds the SUV at risk for closure, according to reports.

The cancellation of the Edge follows the demise of the Lincoln Nautilus, says Automotive News Canada, which is built on the same platform.

The current-generation Nautilus is due to end production at the Oakville plant in 2023, and Ford will move production to China, one of its largest markets for the luxury brand, for the next generation.

According to a report by Auto-forecast Solutions, a U.s.-based global forecasting and consulting firm, the cancellation of the Edge program could be the final nail in the coffin for the Oakville plant.

“Unless Ford decides on a different program to replace the Edge, there’s no future for Oakville,” said Sam Fiorani, vice-president of global forecasting, told Automotive News.

The Oakville plant, just west of Toronto, currently employs about 4,200 people, and Ford’s Unifor labour contract covering the Oakville plant expires in September.

The small crossover market was already too crowded for the Edge, and with the introduction of the upcoming Bronco and Bronco Sport, there really isn’t any room for it.

Ford sold 19,856 examples of the Edge in 2019; and 19,156 in 2018, but those were mostly fleet sales.

The Unifor labour contract also covers two Ford engine plants in Windsor, which are solely responsible for the production of the 5.0-litre and PV-8 family of V-8 engines.