Although recent news about the Blue Oval’s decision to rationalize its sprawling EV ambitions wasn’t earth-shattering, there was one aspect of the announcement that raised eyebrows: the automaker’s decision to delay production of its fully electric three-row EV from 2025 to late 2027. Since the Ford Oakville Assembly plant is expected to be the sole facility responsible for building the electric vehicle, the news came as a shock to the Ford workers at the plant and Unifor, which negotiated a new contract with the automaker in November of 2023. The Canadian union, which said it was kept in the dark by the significant delay, subsequently stated that it was working with Ford to minimize the impact of the delay. And according to a new report from Automotive News Canada, a new agreement will most likely help some laid off workers get back to work – albeit at other Ford plants in Canada.
According to the publication, approximately 70 positions at the Ford Windsor engine plants opened up after the company initiated a retirement canvass program. The positions are all in production and Ford workers who take the “one to one” offer will be eligible for a moving allowance since they would have to relocate. The Ford Windsor complex is responsible for the 5.0L V8 Coyote and the 7.3L V8. Before going idle, Oakville Assembly employed about 3,000 workers, a group that recently finished producing the Ford Edge on May 3rd, 2024. Unifor is still talking with the automaker about ways it can further mitigate the impact of the delay on behalf of its membership. Meanwhile, Ford will begin retooling the plant in preparation for 2027. It previously stated that it could not extend production of the Ford Edge.
In wake of the decision to scale back its EV ambitions, Ford has made a broad pivot to offering “Freedom of Choice,” its slogan and ad campaign that puts an emphasis on offering whatever type of vehicle the buying public desires. The pivot also involves the company making a headfirst dive into smaller, less expensive electric vehicles. Current reports suggest that a low-cost EV is slated to start production at the Ford Louisville Assembly plant in 2026.
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Comment
I have owned three Ford Edges and find it to be a stupid decision not to continue making them for a couple of more years until they actually need to start the switch over. In my mind you mothball a great vehicle that they never promoted all that well and could produce for a while to keep workers making a living and a plant producing a profit instead of sitting idle. This is likely a way to get rid of employees.