After what seems like an eternity, Ford’s new Flex crossover has entered production at the carmaker’s Ford Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. The Oakville plant has increased production and is adding 500 jobs in an effort to keep up with the demand for new crossover models like the Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge and Ford Flex, which starts arriving in dealership showrooms this summer.

The Edge, Flex and the Lincoln MKX come down the same assembly line, meaning the plant can efficiently adapt to shifts in consumer demand.

The Flex is powered by Ford’s familiar 3.5L V6 and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers more than 260hp and 245lb.-ft. of torque, and drives the wheels via an AWD system that can send up to 100% of torque to the front or rear. Fuel economy equates to 12.6L/100km in the city and 8.4L/100km on the highway – or 17/24mpg, respectively.

Other features of the Flex include the latest generation of Ford’s Sync interface, a small refrigerator, a reverse camera, and Ford’s new EasyFuel capless refueling system.