Ford begins series production of the Capri at the German plant in Cologne

The American manufacturer has just taken an important step towards the electrification of its vehicle range with the start of series production of the Capri at its Cologne plant. The Capri is the second electric model to roll off the production line at this German plant, which also builds the Explorer.

Although no official statement has been issued by Ford, the chairman of the Works Council, Benjamin Gruschka, has confirmed this news to local media, stating that the start of series production of the Capri is a milestone of particular significance for the Cologne plant and its employees, all the more so given the difficult situation facing the automotive sector in Europe.

What is particularly striking is that while the start of production of the Explorer last June was celebrated in great style, this has not been the case with the Capri. According to Gruschka, production of the Capri began on 23 September, whereas Ford Germany’s latest press release is dated 18 September, with no mention of this event.

Capri or Explorer? Which one should I choose?

Ford officially presented the Capri last July. It is an electric SUV coupé with many elements in common with the Explorer, differing mainly in its more sloping roofline, as one would expect from a coupé variant. Both models are based on the MEB platform of the Volkswagen Group and are, for the time being, marketed with a single high-capacity battery pack, although more affordable versions with a smaller battery pack are expected to go on sale.

Combined production volume of the Explorer and the Capri at the Cologne plant is expected to reach 250,000 units per year. Ford is already scaling up production to reach this target and, from next October, expects to produce more than 600 vehicles a day across two shifts.

With around 13,000 employees, Ford has recently adapted the Cologne plant to focus exclusively on the production of electric vehicles. It is estimated that the American manufacturer will need to sell 200,000 units a year to maintain employment viability at the Cologne plant, although any reduction in staff has been ruled out until the end of 2032.