CANADA - Ford increases staffing and adds more investment to produce all new Edge SUV.

$700 Million Investment Brings Global Vehicle and New Jobs to Canada

•  With 1,400 new Ford employees – 400 newly announced and 1,000 announced in 2014 – and a C$700 million investment, Ford Motor Company celebrates the global production start of the all-new 2015 Ford Edge at the newly transformed Oakville Assembly plant in Canada
• The Edge is all-new from wheels to roof, designed to reset the standard in the two-row utility vehicle market with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship, performance and greatly improved vehicle dynamics
• The Edge goes on sale later this spring in Canada and the United States, and will eventually be available in more than 100 countries, including Western Europe for the first time

Ford Motor Company announced today at its Oakville Assembly plant outside of Toronto, Canada, the official start of production of the all-new 2015 Ford Edge for global export to more than 100 countries.

To support the global launch of the Ford Edge, Oakville Assembly also announced today the addition of 400 new employees to supplement the 1,000 new employees that were announced last year. With an investment of C$700 million, the Oakville Assembly plant has undergone a retooling and expansion, transforming it into one of the most competitive and advanced global manufacturing plants in Canada.

“The all-new Ford Edge is a true global vehicle and a showcase of Ford’s product excellence,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Americas. “Thanks to the new capabilities at Oakville Assembly, the 2015 Edge delivers improved driving dynamics, quality, quietness, interior space and even more technology, and we are proud for our Canadian team to start bringing Edge to customers in even more markets around the world.”

The Ford Edge will eventually be shipped around the world, from North America and South America, to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. With the addition of right-hand-drive and a diesel engine, the Edge will also be exported for the first time to Western Europe.

The ehancements at Oakville Assembly will enable Ford to shift production more quickly and efficiently to meet increasing consumer demand. Worldwide demand for utility vehicles is up 88 per cent since 2008 and utilities now account for 19 per cent of the global automotive market, with the segment expanding more than three times the rate of the vehicle industry overall.

In Europe, the utility vehicle segment grew from nine per cent market share in 2008 to 21 per cent in 2014. In the United States – Ford Edge’s biggest market – the vehicle has been the best-selling five passenger crossover utility for seven out of the eight years since its launch.

“We’re proud to show the world advanced manufacturing right here in Canada and look forward to serving new global customers,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. “The Oakville Assembly team has worked relentlessly to deliver a quality product to the highest standard – from bringing in the best of Ford’s manufacturing technologies to training new employees across the facility.”

All-New Ford Edge

The 2015 Ford Edge is a showcase of Ford technology and craftsmanship, with a suite of standard and available technologies designed to improve the driving experience and the level of occupant comfort. Technologies being offered for the first time include enhanced active park assist for parallel and side parking, side parking sensors and a front camera with washer.

Central to the improved driving dynamics is an entirely new body structure and redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed specifically to better isolate road imperfection and absorb noise without compromising handling, giving Edge customers a quieter and more substantial ride.   

The all-new 2015 Ford Edge will be the first Ford vehicle in North America powered by the company’s new twin-scroll 2.0-litre EcoBoost^® engine. The 2015 model is the first Edge to come standard with EcoBoost power. This new twin-scroll 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is expected to be more responsive and fun to drive, with better performance feel, compared to the current 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

When it goes on sale this spring, the all-new Ford Edge will be available in a new range-topping Titanium series, as well as the base SE model and SEL series.

Also available this year, is the 2015 Ford Edge Sport which has been officially SAE-certified as the most powerful Edge ever, with the highest horsepower and torque ratings yet. Powered by Ford’s newest EcoBoost^® engine – a 2.7-litre V6 – the 2015 Ford Edge Sport builds on its reputation as the modern utility vehicle for people who want to have fun behind the wheel and look good doing it.  

Oakville Assembly Transformation

Oakville Assembly Plant has undergone a massive transformation to include new technology and robotics, new processes, and new training. More than 250 new robots were added, including new software and vision systems that improve efficiency, precision and quality. In addition, approximately 1,000 robots have been upgraded. These robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision and accuracy – with duties to ensure repeatable and high-quality assembly, including:

• New robots to apply urethane to glass for consistent application every time creating a perfect seal that reduces wind noise and improves quietness and comfort for the customer
• New robots to install panels, doors and hoods reducing variability and offering more control in installation for a more durable build
• Laser brazing with new robotics to offer cleaner lines and higher strength and precision in the seaming of the roof for a more high-end design
• A “Vehicle on Wheels” visions system to ensure the flushness of doors, hood and lift gate through laser and optical images for a seamless fit
• 3D dirt detection technology and increased robotic automation in paint to employ a more durable paint application, resulting in best-in-class exterior appearance and a flawless finish. 3D dirt detection technology uses high resolution cameras to detect and locate any paint imperfections not readily seen by the naked eye

To prepare for Oakville’s 1,400 newest hires, a simulation classroom was created to provide hands-on training. Throughout the plant, existing employees received training to manage new systems and processes.

“The new global Edge is an excellent and timely indication that Canada’s auto industry is poised to excel in coming years,” said Jerry Dias, national president, Unifor. “Canadian auto workers have consistently demonstrated superior productivity and quality results, which are essential to the success of an innovative vehicle like this one. This new vehicle is great news for the company and its workers, and good news for all Canadians who benefit from a strong auto industry and the revenue it generates.”

Oakville Assembly has also been recognized for its environmental efforts. The plant is the first North American assembly plant to go zero waste-to-landfill, and has recently upgraded to LED lighting across the plant, replacing 7,000 lights and saving an estimated 15 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year.

Operating since 1953, Oakville Assembly also produces the Ford Flex and the Lincoln MKT. It will also begin production of the new global 2016 Lincoln MKX this year. The facility has approximately 4,500 employees working a partial three shift schedule. Since 2013, Oakville Assembly has hired more than 1,700 employees.

CANADA - Chrysler launches new 200 Sedan amongst many new models, Bring this to the UK.

• All-new, game-changing contemporary sedan highlights five Canadian debuts from Chrysler Canada
• 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker, 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop, 2014 Fiat 500c GQ Edition and 2014 Jeep® Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition also revealed
• Debuts followed a keynote speech from Italian-Canadian Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group LLC and Chief Executive Officer, Fiat S.p.A.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan was unveiled on Canadian soil for the first time today in Toronto. The game-changing, North American-designed and –built four-door was the headline debut amongst a quintet of exciting unveilings from Chrysler Canada, kicking off media day for the 2014 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS).

The reveal of the 2015 Chrysler 200, along with a pair of debuts from Dodge, plus new models from Fiat and Jeep®, only intensified the buzz around the CIAS Chrysler Stand. Before the vehicles were officially introduced, Italian-Canadian Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group LLC and Chief Executive Officer, Fiat S.p.A., captivated the gathered international media with a keynote speech to open the AutoShow.

2015 Chrysler 200
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 charts a new course for mid-size sedans, bring a noteworthy dose of understated elegance, craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology to the segment, including firsts like a standard nine-speed automatic transmission and an available all-wheel-drive system which automatically disconnects from the rear axle to save fuel.

The new 200 is the first Chrysler Brand product to be built on the Compact U.S.-wide (CUS-wide) platform, which has roots under Italy’s acclaimed Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Power will come from either a standard 2.4-litre MultiAir® Tigershark four-cylinder engine or the award-winning 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 with a best-in-class 295 horsepower.

It will be built at Chrysler Group’s Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant (SHAP), which underwent a $1 billion investment to build the new world-class 200 sedan to exacting World Class Manufacturing principles.

“The all-new Chrysler 200 sedan is not only about setting an exciting and contemporary course for the Chrysler brand, but also putting the competition on alert with class-leading craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and exclusive features,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “It, along with our four other Canadian debuts in Toronto today, showcases the breadth of first-class vehicles Chrysler Group offers Canadians today. It’s new products like these, alongside the award-winning Ram trucks, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee, that will help us continue our upward momentum in 2014 and beyond”

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker
The 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker injects a fresh shot of heritage into this Canadian-built muscle car. Highlights include its signature, functional “Shaker” hood scoop, which directs cold air into the HEMI® V-8 engine, a standard Super Track Pak for inspired performance, unique Satin Black exterior cues, new 20-inch wheels and Shaker-specific interior upgrades.

2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop
Dodge is expanding its lineup of Blacktop packages to the 2014 Dodge Dart. With unique wheels, select exterior colours and Gloss Black accents, it brings a sporty, distinct look from the factory at a tremendous value. The Dart Blacktop package features the 184 horsepower 2.4-litre MultiAir® Tigershark engine, now standard on the 2014 Dart SXT and Limited models, with a unique calibration on the GT trim.

2014 Fiat 500c GQ Edition
The 2014 Fiat 500c GQ Edition continues the Italian brand’s tradition of fashionable, limited-production lifestyle cars for discerning customers. Crafted in partnership with GQ magazine, a leader in men’s style, the cabriolet incorporates a 1.4-litre MultiAir® Turbo engine, performance-minded exterior upgrades, unique, tailored colours and trims throughout and “GQ” badging.

2014 Jeep® Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition salutes the rugged and functional capability of those first civilian Jeep offered to the post-war public in 1945. Along with special design cues, its off-road chops are upgraded via a Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain tires and a new Jeep Trail Rated Kit with a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a Jeep-branded bag.