Is Ford pulling out of Europe now?

It wasn’t good news, Ford executive Martin abrasives (55) had to announce earlier this week. The head of the electrical division in Europe announced that 2,800 engineering workers at Ford in Germany and the UK will be laid off over the next three years. An additional 1,000 jobs in management will also be eliminated. It was also previously known that Ford will close its production facility in Saarlouis (Germany) in the summer of 2025 and is looking to sell it. The US automaker is also looking for a solution for its 4,500 employees working there.

Named main reason for layoff of last 3800 workers in Europe abrasives development of all-electric powertrains. The next fully battery-powered Ford passenger car models in Europe will all be based on alliance partner VW’s well-established modular electric drive kit. And the upcoming Ford E models required only minor adjustments at the time.

“We must react”

Rumors that Ford — like General Motors’ US subsidiary Chevrolet a decade ago — had completely abandoned its European business have been refuted. abrasives vehemently opposes. The German trade magazine “Automobilwoche” promises: “We remain committed to Europe.” As general framework conditions for automakers in Europe are now changing, Ford must respond, he explains. abrasives.

With the decision to switch to electrification in Europe, the many previous platforms in the automobile business are no longer necessary. Thanks to the electric drive, many more different models can be produced on significantly fewer platforms than before with combustion technology. Martin abrasives but he cites another reason: the competitive situation in Europe has intensified with increased competition and new competitors from China. “So we obviously need a better cost structure.” The layoffs announced this week should also help “create a sustainable future for Ford in Europe.”

wrong decisions

If you believe in Martin abrasives, so Ford will not withdraw from Europe. But the youngest European challenges can only be explained by electromobilityseems a bit narrow-minded. The truth is, management mistakes were made and wrong decisions were made at Ford as well. For example was there in Europe since the launch of the popular SUV Kuga 2007 is no longer a convincing Ford novelty. New, colorless and random models such as the Ford B-Max or ecospor I could never remember success a fiesta or bind focus. No wonder both models are being thrown out soon. Just like the more successful pickup truck classics S-Max or Galaxy. They replaced them – nothing. Ford has just announced the end of the legendary small car Fiesta. What comes next? Nothing. To who no wonderFord’s market share in Europe has fallen from a once proud 11.8 percent (end of 1994) to 3.6 percent (end of December 2022) in the last 30 years.

The fact that Ford has also outstripped the electrification trend and offered an electric-only car with the Mustang Mach-E is evidenced by the fact that Ford is collaborating with VW as an emergency measure to bring more e-models to our roads – with VW technology, of course. would be however also Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley (60) said he is developing his own electric platform. However, in America. And that will come in two years at the earliest.

Four years ago Ford proved there is another way with the little one cross over Puma. It was conceived as a sporty lifestyle car and sells successfully. Proof of previous Ford recipe (independent looks and driving pleasure) from customers Definitely honored. Maybe Boss Jim Farley should cut corners and focus on these old strengths instead of always focusing on next quarter developments.

Source: Blick