The Blue Oval/Model E plan is charging ahead in Europe, as Ford announces new vehicles, and new factories overseas.
Ford recently announced another major step forward toward an all-electric future. The company confirmed that it has chosen its plant in Valencia, Spain, as its preferred site to assemble vehicles with a next-generation electric vehicle architecture. The Valencia plant has the potential to produce breakthrough electric and connected vehicles beginning later in this decade.
Another move by the company is to go ahead with converting its Cologne, Germany, operations into producing electric passenger vehicles starting in 2023. This conversion is expected to cost the company about $2 billion. The company’s European strategy involves a thrilling lineup of EVs, including an electric edition of the Puma (above) and electric Ford Pro vehicles to expand its presence in the commercial segment. Ford’s Europe plan is to sell 600,000 electric vehicles per year by 2026.
“We are committed to building a vibrant, sustainable business in Europe as part of our Ford+ plan, and that requires focus and making tough choices,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “The European auto industry is extremely competitive, and to thrive and grow we can never settle for less than unbelievably great products, a delightful customer experience, ultra-lean operations and a talented and motivated team.”
That plan has been described as a three-way split transformation of company operations, with a “Model E” silo taking on electrification, “Ford Pro” serving commercial and fleet customers, and “Blue Oval” continuing work on “conventional” internal combustion.
Blue Oval and Model e
SOURCE | IMAGES: FORD.
