Ford choses Valencia, Spain plant to assemble electric vehicles on ‘next-generation’ platform

Ford announced it has chosen its plant in Valencia, Spain, as the site to assemble vehicles on a next-generation electric vehicle architecture.

The company said in a press release it would also invest $2 billion to covert its Cologne, Germany, operations to begin making electric passenger vehicles starting in 2023. “By 2026, Ford in Europe plans to sell 600,000 electric vehicles annually,” the company 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,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “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.”

The state-of-the art Cologne Electrification Centre will start production in late 2023, the company announced.

“Ford is investing heavily in electric vehicle manufacturing operations in Germany, and we are committed to the country as our headquarters location in Europe,” said Stuart Rowley, chair, Ford of Europe and chief transformation & quality officer, Ford Motor Company. “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.”

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