Ford Motor Co. announced on Thursday, Feb. 13 it will build its all new global Edge sports utility vehicle in Oakville, Ontario.
The new vehicle will be shipped to 60 countries, according to Ottowa Citizen. The news followed Ford's announcement in September regarding its investments in their plant in Oakville. A total of $700 million was invested in the plant, along with a $142 million investment shared between the Canadian and Ontario governments.
Ford Motor Co. of Canada's Chief Executive Dianne Craig stated the decision to build the new vehicle displays the strength of Canadian manufacturing, according to Ford Media.
"The decision to produce the all-new global Edge in Canada is proof that Canadian manufacturers can compete, and win, globally," Craig said. "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."
Ford's decision to expand their plant in Ontario will secure 2,800 jobs at the plant, Ottowa Citizen reported. The Ford Flex, MKT and Lincoln MKX are also produced at the plant in Oakville.
Ford participates in the global utility segment, with global SUV demand growing 13 percent overall in 2013, more than doubling in markets outside of North America, according to The Wall Street Journal. Ford looks forward to greater growth in the year of 2014.
Ford President of The Americas Joe Hinrichs stated other vehicles will be produced along with the new Edge in Oakville, Ford Media reported.
"Oakville is vital to Ford's global manufacturing system as we prepare to launch more vehicles this year than ever before," Hinrichs said. "The Oakville facility will offer world-leading flexibility, enabling us to react quickly and efficiently to shifts in consumer demand here in North America and around the globe."
Ford will display automated driving options in development at the Canadian International Auto Show, according to Ford Media. The options include obstacle avoidance, full assistance parking aid, and adaptive steering.
