Ford will limit sales of its Edge to seven countries in Europe after the midsize SUV's high CO2 output hurt demand by raising local emissions taxes.
Ford will continue to sell the Edge in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, Belgium and Romania. These countries accounted for 82 percent of the Edge's total sales volume in the first three months, Ford said.
Countries where the Edge will be discontinued include the UK, Ford's biggest European market.
"The decision to limit Edge availability is in line with our strategy aimed at strengthening the Ford brand and creating a sustainably profitable business in Europe, including by taking action to improve or exit less profitable vehicle lines," Ford said.
Edge customers are having to pay increasingly more tax in those countries that penalize cars with higher CO2. "This can significantly reduce sales potential," Ford said.
Ford had predicted European sales of between 25,000-30,000 a year when the Canadian-built model was launched in 2016.
Last year sales fell to 9,554 from 16,094 in 2017, according to data from market analysts JATO Dynamics.
The Edge is only sold as a diesel in Europe, with CO2 levels rated at 156 grams per km and 187g/km for the two models available. Diesel sales in the mainstream midsize SUV sector fell by 22 percent in the first quarter this year, according to JATO data, but the fuel type still accounted for 62 percent of the sector's total.
Total sales in the sector fell 7.7 percent to 84,517 for the quarter. The sector leader is the Skoda Kodiaq, followed by the Peugeot 5008. Both are available with gasoline engines.
Ford said it was launching more SUVs that "better match customer demand" such as the new-generation Kuga compact SUV and all-new Puma small SUV. Ford is also launching a plug-in hybrid version of its Explorer large SUV in Europe.
Ford is overhauling its range in Europe as it tries to return to sustainable profitability in the region. It recently axed the C-Max compact minivan and the B-Max small minivan.
