Ford have announced that by mid-2026, 100% of its passenger vehicle range in Europe will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid; moving to all-electric by 2030.
At the same time Ford's commercial vehicle range in Europe will also be 100% zero-emissions capable by 2024 and that two-thirds of commercial vehicle sales are expected to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.
This drive to a fully electric future is spearheaded by a $1 billion investment in a new electric vehicle manufacturing centre in Cologne. The facility will be the company's first European-built manufacturing plant for all-electric passenger vehicles for European customers where the first vehicles will roll off the lines in Cologne starting in 2023.
"We successfully restructured Ford of Europe and returned to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2020. Now we are charging into an all-electric future in Europe with expressive new vehicles and a world-class connected customer experience," said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. "We expect to continue our strong momentum this year in Europe and remain on track to deliver our goal of a six percent EBIT margin as part of Ford's plan to turnaround our global automotive operations."
Ford's strong commercial vehicle business is key to its European profitability, supported by new products and services, working with an extensive network of commercial vehicle converter partners, with Ford's strategic alliance with Volkswagen and its Ford Otosan joint venture providing cost-effective vehicle development and sourcing.
Ford and Google also announced recently the establishment of a new collaborative group, Team Upshift, to drive disruptive, data-driven opportunities. This first-of-its-kind partnership in combination with Ford's in-house capabilities will be the basis of transformed ownership experiences and services for both the company's commercial and passenger vehicle customers.