Last week, Ford's European division announced another step toward an all-electric future. The automaker confirmed that it has chosen its factory in Valencia, Spain, as the preferred location for assembling vehicles based on the brand's next-generation EV architecture. The Valencia plant could produce electric and connected cars later this decade, subject to product approval.
In addition to operations at the Valencia plant, Ford is also working on a $2 billion overhaul of its Cologne, Germany, operation to start producing electric vehicles in 2023.
Jim Farley, Ford President and CEO, said: "As part of the Ford+ program, we are committed to building a dynamic, sustainable business in Europe that requires focus and making difficult choices. "The European automotive industry is extremely competitive, and to thrive, we can never be satisfied with incredibly high-quality products, a delightful customer experience, ultra-lean operations, and a talented and motivated team."
Electric vehicle sales are surging globally, including in Europe, where sales will rise 65% to 2.3 million in 2021. Earlier this month, the European Parliament voted to set new CO2 emissions standards for light-duty vehicles, including a requirement that by 2035, all new vehicles sold will be 100 percent zero-emission vehicles.
The Valencia plant announcement is the result of comprehensive consultations with teams in Valencia, Spain and Saarluis, Germany. Ford's Saar Louis plant will continue to produce the Ford Focus as the automaker continues to evaluate options for future site concepts.
"We are accelerating our transformation in Europe, reimagining the way we do business, and building a future where amazing vehicles and a relentless focus on customer experience go hand in hand with protecting our planet," said Stuart Rowley, Ford's chief transformation and quality officer. "Bringing our new electric vehicle architecture to Valencia will help us build a profitable business in Europe, secure high-value jobs, and increase Ford's supply of premium electric, high-performance, fully connected vehicles to meet Our European customers."
To support its global goal of producing more than 2 million electric vehicles annually by 2026, Ford continues to advance its plans for an all-electric future in Europe and beyond.
The increase in the market share of electric vehicles has a positive effect on the development and upgrading of the auto parts market.