Ford Motor Co. factories will shut down next week to gear up for the arrival of new vehicles – including the first ever Canadian-made car to be sold on the global market.
The Ford factory in Oakville Ont. will turn off its assembly lines for three weeks starting Monday. This standard closure will allow the plant to prepare for the arrival of new 2015 vehicles, which include the newly redesigned Ford Edge.
Summer closures are a normal practice for car factories as it gives companies an opportunity to blast out their inventory, while workers can take advantage of the paid time off.
Typically, summer is a slow time for the auto industry, but this year marks a huge rebound in the industry since the recession. Canadian auto sales are on track to hit a record this year. Many factories have shortened or altogether cancelled their annual shutdowns and most U.S. factories will remain open to keep up with hot demand.
Nearing the top of the list of consumer vehicle demands are crossover utility vehicles.
The Ford Edge is a crossover utility vehicle that developers believe can compete outside of North America with German brands. Its new design will attempt to put it into “near-luxury” status. It will offer a blend of standard features and upgradable package options for a relatively affordable price. The Edge is expected to begin sales in early 2015 in North America and will be in Europe by the end of 2015. Eventually, it will be sold world-wide in over 100 markets.
