Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford to shed 12,000 jobs in Europe

Ford undertakes huge “efficiency improvement program” that will result in massive job losses by 2020

Ford has announced it will shed 12,000 jobs from its European workforce by 2020, as the company makes a series of “efficiency improvements” that will result in the closure or sale of six factories. Production of the Ford C-MaxGrand C-Max, and Ka+, will end, while the firm also plans a 20 per cent reduction in management costs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Some of the job losses relate to the closure of the Bridgend factory in South Wales, which was announced last month and will see 1,700 staff members made redundant. The firm is also selling its gearbox factory in Slovakia to Magna, the firm responsible for building (among other vehicles) the Jaguar I-Pace and BMW Z4/Toyota Supra under contract.

• Ford and VW confirm new alliance

Ford had also previously announced the closure of its gearbox factory in Bordeaux, France, as well as the closure of two Russian assembly plants. The firm is currently undergoing a worldwide efficiency drive that will see it lose 10 per cent of its global workforce, though the 12,000 European job losses mean Ford of Europe, which employs an estimated 53,000 people, is losing around 22 per cent of its workforce. Ford is also reducing the number of shifts at its Saarlouis plant in Germany, and its Valencia factory in Spain.

As well as ending production of slow-selling models, Ford will increase its focus on commercial vehicles, a move that is partly responsible for a tie-up with Volkswagen that will see the German and American giants jointly develop the Amarok and Ranger pick-up trucks.

From July 2019, Ford’s European business will be divided into three groups: commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and imports, with the latter group managing “a niche portfolio of iconic passenger vehicles”, including the Mustang-inspired electric SUV due in 2020.

In a statement released today, Ford set out how these efficiency drives would affect its European operations. The firm’s European president, Stuart Rowley, said “separating employees and closing plants are the hardest decisions we make”, but added the firm is “focused on building a long-term sustainable future for our business in Europe.”

What do you make of Ford's news? Let us know in the comments below... 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Fast Fords won’t die: ST and RS performance brands will have a role in the EV future
Ford Focus ST - front cornering

Fast Fords won’t die: ST and RS performance brands will have a role in the EV future

Hot Ford models have been falling by the wayside but we may see some iconic badges return soon
News
11 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Restricting supply of petrol cars still an option for Ford as EV targets bite
Ford Mustang Mach E GT

Restricting supply of petrol cars still an option for Ford as EV targets bite

The government’s consultation on the ZEV mandate is due in the next few months and should provide some certainty for manufacturers but Ford may still …
News
13 Mar 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025