Ford further reducing European workforce by 4,000 positions

Ford (F) Motor Company announced restructuring plans to create “a more cost-competitive structure and ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of its business in Europe.” The company said: “Of particular concern is the health of Ford’s passenger vehicle business in Europe, where the company has incurred significant losses in recent years, and where the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition has been highly disruptive. The company is planning to further reduce its European workforce by 4,000 positions by the end of 2027, pending consultations with its European social partners. The planned job cuts will primarily impact operations in Germany but also the UK, with minimal reductions in other European markets. In addition, due to the weak economic situation and lower-than-expected demand for electric cars, we are further adjusting the production program for the new Explorer and Capri. This will result in additional short-time working days at our Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.” Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice president for Transformation and Partnerships, added: “Ford has been in Europe for more than 100 years. We are proud of our new product portfolio for Europe and committed to building a thriving business in Europe for generations to come. It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe.”