Ford announced plans to eliminate 4,000 jobs across Europe by the end of 2027, primarily affecting Germany and the UK, as part of a broader strategy to address significant losses and adapt to changing industry dynamics.
The job cuts include 2,900 positions in Germany, 800 in the UK, and 300 in other parts of western Europe, as the company grapples with the ongoing shift to electrified vehicles and rising competition in the automotive market.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford explained in a statement, citing the transition to electric vehicles and new competition as key factors contributing to its financial strain.
Ford’s European vice president, Dave Johnston, emphasized the necessity of these tough decisions to secure the company’s long-term competitiveness.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” he said.
In addition to the layoffs, Ford also announced adjustments to the production of its Explorer and Capri models, leading to reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s automotive sector is currently facing a crisis, with high manufacturing costs, slow adoption of electric vehicles, and intensified competition from key markets like China.
Volkswagen, one of the continent’s largest automakers, has also been struggling, with CEO Oliver Blume acknowledging the industry’s “very demanding and serious situation” in September.
Ford’s decision follows a previous announcement in February 2023 to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in the UK, as part of efforts to streamline operations, focus on the profitable van segment, and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles.
The company currently employs around 28,000 people across Europe, with 15,000 working in Germany, according to Ford’s works council.
AFP
