GHENT, Belgium -- Ford Motor Co. has delayed the production start of its new Mondeo mid-sized car.
Mondeo production was scheduled to start at Ford's factory in Genk, Belgium, on April 6 next year, but has been postponed for up to three months, according to local media reports that cited union sources.
A Ford spokesman said the delay was because "we are working through various issues to ensure a robust, high quality launch."
Production at the Genk plant is 16 percent below its usual capacity as the Mondeo, along with the S-Max and Galaxy minivans, reach the end of their life cycles.
The Mondeo is due to go on sale in Europe between May and June next year after its unveiling at the Paris auto show this September.
The car is a sister model to the Ford Fusion sold in North America.
