Ford discontinues B-Max and C-Max MPVs

Production of slow-selling models will end in June, with no replacements due, as part of European cost-cutting plan

Ford has confirmed that it will end production of the B-Max and C-Max MPVs as part of its wide-reaching strategy to return to profitability in Europe.

The two people carriers, long rumoured for the chop after years of slow sales across the continent, will be built until the end of June at Ford’s factory in Saarlouis, Germany. There will be a switch to a two-shift operating pattern, with night shift production ended.

Ford to 'redesign' European business

Ford claims the measures have been approved “to create a sustainably profitable business in Germany and Europe”. The Saarlouis plant will continue to produce the Focus, with “higher-margin variants” such as the Active and ST to be prioritised in order to improve margins. 

Earlier this month, Ford announced that it would cut more 5000 jobs in Germany and an as-yet-undetailed number in the UK while it attempts to restructure its European business and return to financial health.

Further job cuts, possible plant closures and model line trimmings are expected to follow. The American manufacturer employs 53,000 people across Europe, including 12,000 in the UK. 

Sales of the C-Max and seven-seat Grand C-Max have been slowing as customers switch to SUVs such as the Kuga, with just 53,000 sold in Europe last year – a 21% drop on 2017. 

Read more:

New Ford Kuga SUV to be revealed next week

Ford and Volkswagen to jointly develop Amarok successor

Ford to launch mild-hybrid Fiesta and Focus in 2020

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