Ford Selects Canadian Plant to Build All-New Global Utility Vehicle for Export to 60+ Countries

Ford of Canada’s Oakville Assembly plant will build theall-new Ford Edge global utility vehicle, shipping it from Canada to more than60 countries as demand for utility vehicles grows worldwide.

The Ford Edge competes in the global utility segment,which grew 13 per cent year over year in 2013. Ford outperformed the segmentwith 35 per cent growth and more than 1.2 million vehicles sold worldwide, andEdge production surpassed its 1 million vehicle milestone last year. Theutility segment in markets outside North America grew 112 per cent in 2013 andis forecast to grow 30 per cent in 2014, with utility sales expected to totalapproximately 600,000 vehicles this year.

“The decision to produce the all-new global Edge inCanada is proof that Canadian manufacturers can compete, and win,globally,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Ltd. “We’re ready to showcase Oakville Assembly’s commitment tocraftmanship and advanced manufacturing to deliver what our global customerswant and value — a high-quality vehicle with class-leading design, fuelefficiency and performance.”

Ford announced in September a C$700 million investment atOakville Assembly to expand the plant’s manufacturing capability to meetsurging global demand and preserve more than 2,800 jobs. Oakville Assemblymanufactures Ford Edge and Ford Flex, as well as Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKT.

“Oakville is vital to Ford’s global manufacturingsystem as we prepare to launch more vehicles this year than ever before,”said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “The Oakville facilitywill offer world-leading flexibility, enabling us to react quickly andefficiently to shifts in consumer demand here in North America and around theglobe.”

Ford’s global utility portfolio spans small, medium andlarge vehicles – from the compact EcoSport to midsize Explorer and full-sizeExpedition – to fit the needs of consumers around the globe in various lifestages.

Ford will provide customers with more choices in 2014 asit plans an unprecedented product year launching 23 vehicles globally – 16 inNorth America, including the all-new global Edge.

Visitors to the Canadian International Auto Show will geta glimpse of the new Ford Edge Concept vehicle at the Ford stand, including apreview of automated driving options Ford is developing. These include:

    —  Fully assisted parking aid: Automatic parkingtechnology allows for

        controlfrom inside or outside the vehicle

    —  Obstacle avoidance: Automatically steersaround an object when the

        driver doesnot; if the driver fails to react, the system will

       automatically steer and brake to avoid a collision

    —  Adaptive steering: The next step in steeringtechnology leads to

       improvements in both low- and high-speed driving situations In addition,Ford Edge Concept features fuel-saving technologies such as Active GrilleShutters, Auto Start-Stop and an innovative air curtain, which manages airflowaround the front wheels to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

About Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited

Ford of Canada’s operations include a nationalheadquarters, three regional offices, two branch offices, three vehicleassembly and engine manufacturing plants, and two parts distribution centres.Ford employs approximately 6,000 people in Canada, while an additional 18,000people are employed in the more than 400 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealershipsacross the country. For more information, please visit www.ford.ca.