Ford scales back electric car plans in Europe

With the elimination of 3,800 jobs in Europe, the American brand Ford reduces its ambitions with a limited range of electric cars.

However, this Monday evening, February 13, the brand was optimistic. CEO Jim Farley traveled to Marshall in Michigan (USA) to announce a new battery factory. This site is expected to create 2,500 new jobs, but the American automaker is actually working on a negative social impact report over 24 hours…

Heavy Cuts at Ford

In a much less flattering statement, Ford announced a very different news on Tuesday. It plans to cut 3,800 jobs in Germany and the UK. Overall, the brand is eliminating 1,300 positions across both plans. Mainly, product development staff will be affected, and with them, probably new models as well.

Because Ford is clear, organizing “a reduction of the electric and connected vehicle range”, says Martin Sander, head of the “Model e” subsidiary in Europe. The blue oval company is preparing “the transition to simpler ranges and fully electric powertrains”, but will retain “about 3,400 jobs in Europe, focused on vehicle design and development, as well as connected services”.

What Future for Ford Electric Cars?

The next two electric cars, already designed and nearly ready, are unlikely to change their strategy. The family electric SUV, a smaller version of the Mustang Mach-E based on a Volkswagen platform, will be unveiled this spring. Scheduled for release at the end of the year and produced in Cologne (Germany), it will be similar in size to a Volkswagen ID.4 or upcoming Peugeot e-3008 and Renault Scénic E-Tech electric.

In 2024, the focus will be on the Ford Puma electric, which will replace the Ford Fiesta. There is little information about this compact SUV. It is expected to feature around 150 horsepower and a range of about 400 kilometers. Its production will take place in Craiova, Romania. As for the “Sport Crossover” arriving by 2024, is it still in question?

Regarding other investments, the global $50 billion effort continues. However, much of it will go into the 10 factories in the United States and utility vehicles. Some of these are located in Europe, such as the Ford E-Transit, produced in Turkey since 2022, as well as E-Tourneo models. The Valencia (Spain) plant, currently assembling Fiesta, Mondeo, or the Kuga SUV, will also introduce the brand’s new electric platform by the end of the decade. However, this project is still under discussion.

Read also: Test Drive Ford Mustang Mach-E: Electric at a Gallop