Ford EVs based on next-gen architecture will be assembled in Spain

MANILA: Ford in Europe yesterday announced another significant step toward an all-electric future — choosing its facility in Valencia, Spain as the location to produce vehicles built on a next-generation electric vehicle architecture. The Valencia plant may start producing groundbreaking electric and connected vehicles later this decade, subject to product approval.

Ford is also moving forward with a US$2-billion renovation of its Cologne, Germany operations in order to start manufacturing electric passenger vehicles in 2023. Ford's European strategy aims for an innovative lineup of electric vehicles, including an electric version of the Ford Puma and electric Ford Pro vehicles and connected services, to solidify its position in the commercial vehicle market. Ford in Europe aims to sell 600,000 electric vehicles per year by 2026.

Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said, “We are committed to building a vibrant, sustainable business in Europe as part of our Ford+ plan, and that requires focus and making tough choices.The European auto industry is extremely competitive, and to thrive and grow we can never settle for less than unbelievably great products, a delightful customer experience, ultra-lean operations, and a talented and motivated team.”

Sales of electric vehicles in Europe are rapidly increasing (up 65% to 2.3 million in 2021) and the European Parliament has agreed to establish new CO2 targets for light-duty vehicles, including a mandate that all new sales be made of zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

“We are accelerating our transformation in Europe, reimagining how we do business and building a future where amazing vehicles and relentless focus on customer experience goes hand-in-hand with protecting our planet. Bringing our all-new electric vehicle architecture to Valencia will help us build a profitable business in Europe, secure high value employment and increase Ford’s offering of premium electric, high-performance, fully connected vehicles that meet the demand of our European customers,” Ford Motor Company Chief Transformation and Quality Officer and Ford of Europe Chair Stuart Rowley stated.

The decision announced yesterday came as a result of in-depth discussions with teams in Valencia, Spain and Saarlouis, Germany. Ford's Saarlouis plant will continue to manufacture the Ford Focus as the company simultaneously considers options for future site concepts.

Ford also reaffirmed its commitment to Germany, where it will base its European Model e business and produce its first domestically produced electric vehicle in Europe. Production at the state-of-the-art Cologne Electrification Center will begin in 2023.

“Ford is investing heavily in electric vehicle manufacturing operations in Germany, and we are committed to the country as our headquarters location in Europe. We look forward to progressing this work with our partners in Germany and across the whole region. To secure new product in Europe, we need winning product designs, outstanding technology and engineering, optimized sourcing and an evolution of our industrial operations to ensure they are fully oriented to an electrified world,” Rowley added.

The transition of Ford in Europe to an all-electric future and the development of a successful company that contributes to society and reduces emissions in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement relies on the next-generation architecture.

Ford's goals for an all-electric future in Europe support the global target of more than two million electric vehicles produced annually by 2026 and 10% company adjusted EBIT margin by 2026.

Photos from Ford

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