The automotive industry is going through a difficult time. The move to electrification is forced to adapt factories and, in the meantime, the majority try to reduce costs. So much so that some are facing notable cuts to their workforce. For example, Ford will lay off 4,000 workers in Europe in the short term due to a new restructuring plan that they have just announced. They talk about sustainability and long-term growth in our region, where they have suffered significant losses in recent years.
They will reduce their European workforce significantly, since these layoffs They represent 14% of your staff on the continent. They will do so gradually until the end of 2027 and will mainly affect two countries. The most affected will be Germany, with 2,900 layoffs because they have a more notable presence. There will also be movement in the United Kingdom, where 800 workers will be laid off. The remaining 300 layoffs will be distributed among the rest of the countries, although it seems that the Almussafes factory is free of the burning.
This news comes after we reported that Ford had reduced production of the Capri due to low demand. Precisely that example is manufactured, along with the Explorer, in the colony plant and they had to reduce shifts. They have specified that it will be in these facilities where the majority of layoffs will be made, while the Saarlouis plant would be spared. From what they claim, Germany is where they have higher labor and energy costs. In the English part it will affect administrative positions and not production at the Dagenham engine plant or the Halewood transmission plant.
Meanwhile, the oval firm seeks to continue moving forward in Europe and makes a call to action to the authorities. They speak of a mismatch between CO2 regulations and consumer demand for electric vehicles, while calling for a joint commitment to improve market conditions and guarantee the future of the industry. Its next steps here will be to maintain its range of passenger cars with multi-energy options, expand the commercial vehicle business and continue with the ecological transformation of its plants.
