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The long-standing manufacturing strategy of Ford in Europe has been uncertain for quite some time, but recent developments indicate that the company now possesses a definite vision of its intentions in the area. Previous speculations hinted at a possible withdrawal from the region similar to GM, however, with defined model allocations for its plants, Ford’s dedication to the region is once again evident.
Despite the forthcoming closure of its Saarlouis facility in Germany, the Cologne plant stands at the forefront of its shift towards electric vehicles and is currently in the process of gradually increasing production of the Explorer EV crossover. A second model, possibly named Capri, is expected to follow next year. The Craiova factory in Romania is now under the management of Ford-Otosan, the joint venture overseeing commercial vehicles which also operates the extensive Kocaeli complex in Turkey, comprising two facilities, Golcuk and Yenikoy. The latter is responsible for manufacturing the Transit Custom and the new VW Transporter, albeit on separate assembly lines. Furthermore, the previously unclear future of Ford’s Valencia plant is now starting to get some clarity.
Reports from Spain, quoting the country’s Industry Minister rather than Ford directly, indicate that Valencia will introduce a new model to its production line starting from 2027. The government states that this decision is aimed at safeguarding the plant’s future. While Ford has not officially confirmed this news, a spokesperson had previously hinted at the production of a partially electric or “multi-energy” vehicle in Valencia. This suggests the possibility of both a hybrid and maybe even a fully electric vehicle being manufactured in Spain.
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