Ford Ends Production of C-MAX at Saarlouis Body and Assembly Plant
It’s so long and c-ya later for the Ford C-MAX.
Ford-Werke GmbH’s Supervisory Board has approved the decision to end production of the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX MAV at the Saarlouis Body and Assembly Plant in Germany. Both vehicles are set to reach the natural end of their life cycles in June, and the end of production will result in the end of the plant’s night shift.
“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.”
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Saarlouis Body and Assembly Plant is responsible for production of the new Ford Focus, which has thus far enjoyed significant popularity in all of its forms. The loss of the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will see the plant drop to two-shift operations with the loss of its night shift; Automotive News Europe expects that this will see the loss of 1,700 jobs. Ford of Europe plans to shed more than 5,000 jobs in Germany between Saarlouis and Cologne as it strives to become profitable.
“We know about the challenges ahead,” said Gunnar Herrmann, Chairman of the Board, Ford-Werke GmbH. “I thank all employees who support this necessary transformation of our company.”
Other efforts made as part of Ford of Europe’s transformation strategy include its alliance with Volkswagen AG, restructuring at Ford Sollers, the closure of two vehicle plants in Russia, and consolidation of the Ford UK and Ford Credit Europe headquarters at the Ford Dunton Technical Center.
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News Source: Automotive News Europe (subscription required)
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