Ford announced that it is taking the following steps to transform your business in Europeto respond to a market that is evolving faster and faster. The automaker has outlined a series of actions that will allow it to remain competitive in the Old Continent.
Martin Sandergeneral manager of Ford Model and Europe, says:
We are completely reinventing the Ford brand in Europe. We are ready to compete and win in Europe. This spring, our first electric car built in Europe will be presented.
The plans call for a smaller, more focused and increasingly electric product portfolio. Unfortunately, there will also be staff cuts in the coming years. Specifically, Ford talks about about 3,800 job cutsto create a more economical and competitive structure in Europe. The automaker will work with social partners across Europe to develop a voluntary farewell plan.
The shrinking workforce will spread over three years. Around 2,300 jobs will be cut in Germany, 1,300 in the UK and 200 in the rest of Europe. Mostly it will be engineers, 2800 people less. This reduction was justified by Ford as a need to cut costs. It also depends on the advent of electric vehicles and the lesser complexity of new vehicles.
Transmission is much less work. We are moving into a world with fewer platforms where less engineering work is required. That’s why we need to make changes.
Ford will retain a team of approximately 3,400 engineers in Europe. These employees will be engaged in the design and development of vehicles, as well as the creation of related services. In addition, a leaner structure will be created for Ford’s administrative, marketing, sales and distribution functions in Europe, which includes the elimination of approximately 1,000 positions.
As Martin Sander noted, these are very difficult decisions.
These are tough decisions that are not taken lightly. We are aware of the uncertainty this creates for our team and we assure you that we will offer them our full support in the coming months. We will engage in consultations with the social partners so that we can move forward together in building a prosperous future for our business in Europe.
Ford in Europe will also continue to invest in the design and development of electric vehicles, meeting consumer demand and working to achieve carbon neutrality at European facilities, logistics and key suppliers by 2035.
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.