Another one is following suit.
Ford Europe announced it will stop producing C-Max or Grand C-Max Multi Activity Vehicles in Germany by end of the second quarter 2019.
The European arm of American brand has a business strategy that focuses (pun intended!) its investments and efforts on the “most profitable growth segment vehicle segments,” which, in Ford of Europe’s instance, is the.
Ford Focus Particularly the higher variants Active, Wagon, and ST Ford-Werke GmbH, the Supervisory Board of Ford-Werke GmbH made the decision. A press release stated that the move was “another measure to speed efficiency improvements and lower structural costs in Ford’s business operations in Germany.”
Similar to Ford in the U.S.A, the European arm of Ford wants to make its money where it is needed, and that means changing its vehicle inventory.
According to the press release there has been a sharp decline in customer demand for C-Max and Grand C-Max. This forced them to stop production in Saarlouis. The decision was made earlier by the workforce of the manufacturing plant.
The Saarlouis will eliminate night-shift from its production schedule as a result of this adjustment. The plant currently has a 3-shift schedule.
“We have taken a major decision to work together in shaping the future of Ford in Germany, and Europe.” Gunnar Herrmann (Chairman of Ford-Werke GmbH’s Board) says that it is crucial that employees, management, and employees share this difficult journey together. “We are aware of the challenges ahead. “I thank all the employees who supported this transformation of our company.”
The industry is not new to changing its vehicle portfolio, especially Ford. Ford North America stopped production of the Focus sedan and other sedans due to the high demand for crossovers and SUVs in the country.