Who created the Ford Flex?
The Ford Motor Company created and produced the Ford Flex, a seven-passenger crossover SUV that was sold from 2009 through 2019.
Origins and Development
The Ford Flex grew out of Ford’s effort to expand its crossover lineup with a stylish yet practical three-row vehicle. Its design emphasized interior versatility and a unique exterior profile, blending SUV utility with a wagon-like cabin. Ford’s global design and engineering teams led the program and brought the concept from the studio to showrooms.
Concept to Production
Public display of the Flex began with concept introductions in the mid-2000s, followed by a production program that targeted the 2009 model year. The production version debuted in late 2008 as a 2009 model, and it was built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.
Key Production Facts
Below are essential milestones that trace who created the Ford Flex and how it came to be.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company (United States) with global design and engineering teams responsible for the concept and production model.
- Design and concept: Ford’s in-house design studios developed the distinctive boxy, three-row crossover look.
- Production start: The Ford Flex went on sale as a 2009 model year vehicle in 2008.
- Manufacturing location: Built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
- Model lifespan: Sold from 2009 through 2019, with two generations of updates during its run.
The program showcased Ford’s approach to blending passenger space with a bold exterior, and its lifecycle ended as Ford refocused its lineup toward SUVs and crossovers with higher demand.
Summary
In summary, the Ford Flex was created by Ford Motor Company as part of its family-friendly crossover strategy. It originated from Ford’s concept work in the mid-2000s, reached dealerships for the 2009 model year, was produced at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Canada, and remained in production until 2019. The vehicle’s enduring point is its emphasis on spacious interior and distinctive styling within Ford’s SUV lineup.
What is the rarest Ford Flex?
I spotted one of rarest Fords to hit the production line in the last couple of decades: the Funkmaster Flex edition Ford Expedition. Only 650 were ever produced and, quite honestly, i don't know if anyone ever noticed they were there.
Why did Ford stop making Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex was discontinued primarily because of low sales and a shift in consumer demand towards more traditional SUVs with higher ride heights. Ford discontinued the vehicle as part of a larger strategy to focus its resources on more popular and profitable vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
You can watch this video to learn more about why the Ford Flex was discontinued: 35sEveryman DriverYouTube · Nov 6, 2019
- Weak sales: The Flex never met sales expectations, with its highest sales year in 2009 with around 38,000 units, far short of Ford's 100,000-unit target.
- Changing market trends: Consumers began preferring higher-riding, more rugged-looking SUVs and crossovers over the Flex's unique, low-slung design.
- Strategic realignment: Ford decided to streamline its lineup by discontinuing less popular models to focus on profitable segments, such as its truck and SUV offerings.
- Increased competition: The three-row SUV market saw increased competition from other automakers, making it harder for the Flex to stand out.
When did Ford start making the Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex came out as a 2009 model year vehicle, with sales starting in 2008. It was produced for one generation from the 2009 to 2019 model years before being discontinued.
- Production start: Production of the Ford Flex began in 2009.
- Model year: It was released to the public for the 2009 model year.
- Discontinuation: Ford discontinued the Flex after the 2019 model year.
Who designed the Ford Flex?
Peter Horbury
| Ford Flex | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Peter Horbury |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size crossover SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
