As the sun sets on the Ford Edge, the automaker has announced the imminent closure of its production in Canada, marking the end of an era for the crossover. Plant Chairperson Marc Brennan revealed in a member update that the last Ford Edge is scheduled to roll off the assembly line on April 26th. This announcement underscores the conclusion of a journey that began when the crossover was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, ultimately becoming a modest success.
The Ford Edge made a significant impact during its initial years, with the Blue Oval selling 130,125 units in the United States during its first full year of production. Over the years, sales consistently hovered around that mark, reflecting its enduring popularity. However, the landscape changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in sales. Now, the model faces retirement in North America, a consequence of Ford's commitment to electrification.
Unifor Local 707 Chairperson Marc Brennan also provided insights into Oakville's transition into an electric vehicle hub. This transformation has been in progress since the agreement between Ford and Unifor in 2020, which aimed to save the plant. As part of the agreement, Ford committed to investing $1.95 billion CAD to produce five new electric vehicles at the facility. The transition into an electric-focused hub is a strategic move aligned with Ford's broader electrification push.
In 2023, Ford officially announced plans to convert the Oakville facility into the Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex. The comprehensive transformation involves retooling and modernizing the facility throughout the second quarter of 2024. The goal is to prepare for the production of next-generation electric vehicles, set to commence in 2025. This ambitious undertaking includes redesigning the entire 487-acre site, encompassing body, paint, and assembly buildings, and introducing a groundbreaking 407,000 square foot battery plant.
Notably, the battery plant is a key component of the Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex, utilizing components sourced from the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky. This strategic integration emphasizes Ford's commitment to developing a sustainable and efficient electric vehicle production ecosystem.
As the final Ford Edge nears production completion, it signifies not just the end of a successful crossover model but also the dawn of a new era for the Oakville facility. The transition into an electric vehicle hub underscores Ford's forward-looking approach, aligning with the global shift towards electrification and sustainable automotive solutions.