Ford Bids Flex Farewell

It’s official. Ford is bidding farewell to the Flex.

After a debut that drew mixed reactions from the general public, the automaker is killing the boxy SUV as part of a bigger lineup overhaul that aims to maximize the company’s focus on hot sellers and newer models “in the heart of the fastest-growing segments.”

The SUV first entered the market as a 2008 model and instantly drew the attention of consumers because of its uniqueness.

The three-row vehicle was launched with a boxy design that was initially disliked by the public because of its unusual shape at the time.

The move to drop the Flex comes in the heels of the company’s decision to develop other SUVs such as the revived Bronco and a Mustang-inspired electric crossover.

Aside from the launch of new SUVs, the Blue Oval is also committed to trimming down its vehicle lineup, with poor performers such as the Fiesta and Taurus getting the boot.

Flex’s axing has long been rumored after officials at Unifor, the auto workers union in Canada, claimed in 2016 that Ford would discontinue the model come 2020. The Flex is among the vehicles built at the Ford’s plant in Oakville, Ontario.

The 2019 Ford Flex will be the model’s final version, which, according to the automaker, has sold more than 296,000 units for the last 11 years.

In a statement, Ford commemorated the Flex as an SUV that “dared to be bold” and has “gained a loyal following as a stylish, roomy wagon blending sport/utility vehicle and minivan capability in a low-slung retro-inspired package.”