The release of the next generation Ford Mondeo could be delayed by up to a year.
The release was originally scheduled for late 2013 but could now be moved back until late 2014, with the estate version possibly taking longer still.
It comes as a result of Ford's decision to open consultations on whether to close its factory in Genk, Belgium which is responsible for the Mondeo's production.
This comes in the same week that Ford announced the closure of its Transit and stamping factories in Southampton and Dagenham respectively, which will mean the loss of 1,400 jobs.
However, more jobs could be created through the investment into the next generation 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is to be made at the engine plant in Dagenham
The other good news is that the release dates for the new Fiesta and the Fiesta ST have not been changed as a result of any factory closures.
