Ford dealers have stopped taking orders for the Edge SUV after Ford UK decided to axe the model from its UK line-up on Friday (May 31).

The US-derived model suffered declining sales last year, with fewer than 1,700 UK registrations – a drop of more than 50% when compared to the 4,100 sold in 2017.

A Ford spokesperson said the Edge will continue to be sold in "seven key European markets".  Vehicle availability for customers in all other European markets will remain as long as stocks last.

In a statement, the company said: “The decision to limit Edge availability to seven key markets 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.”

The announcement comes following Ford confirming it will cut around 7,000 jobs worldwide, including an unconfirmed number in the UK, as part of an organisational restructure that will prepare it for declining demand for cars and the shift to electric vehicles.

Ford plans to introduce a number of new vehicles by 2020, including a new compact SUV named Puma.

Edge availability will be limited only in Europe and will not impact any other region.