Ford is also feeling the consequences of the lack of electric car sales in Europe

The popular Ford Fiesta was discontinued after many years of success in Europe. The excuse given was that it had already served its purpose as a model and that its commercial life had come to an end. Furthermore, the Ford plant in Cologne where the model was manufactured had to make way for new models, more in line with the times of electric mobility. Its place would be taken by the Ford Explorer and the Ford Capri, both electric.

This plant received an investment of almost two billion euros to adapt its facilities to the manufacture of the electric models that were soon to become very important in the European market. The vehicles were going to be built on the MBE platform of Volkswagen, with which it had established an alliance to collaborate on the development of these two models.

But the situation has changed substantially, and the workers at the Cologne plant are facing partial production stoppages. In fact, the plant will begin working on alternate weeks, that is, one week of production and another of rest will be established throughout November and December. These stoppages could also extend into January, and the need for further stoppages during the first months of 2025 will be studied.

As an interesting fact, it should be noted that production of the Ford Explorer began in June and the Capri joined it in September. Apparently, production of both models is well above demand, so the number of units manufactured will be reduced to levels where it will be easier to clear the accumulated stock.

Thus, production will go from 630 to 480 units, in order to reduce the presence of these models in the brand’s warehouses. In addition to cutting production in Europe, Ford is also facing a restructuring of its strategy at a global level, as it is considering launching new electric models. Instead, it is considering launching hybrid models to replace them.