Ford Announces Seven New Models for European Launch by 2029
Ford has announced plans to introduce seven new models across Europe by 2029. The company is making these moves in response to declining passenger car sales, increased competition from Chinese automakers like BYD and Chery, and the need to maintain a strong presence in the continent’s commercial vehicle market.
Jim Baumbick, Ford’s European president, stated that “we plan to actually grow our market share… in a marketplace that is almost fracturing in terms of the number of competitors.”
Five of these new models will be passenger cars, including an electric car and SUV. Three additional SUVs will come as hybrids or fully electric versions.
Ford has also criticized Europe’s push towards electric vehicles, arguing that “CO2 targets must reflect actual consumer demand” and that legislation should support plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles instead of just fully electric cars.
As part of its restructuring efforts in Europe, Ford has closed its Saarlouis plant in Germany and is reducing jobs at its Cologne factory.
A decade ago, Ford was Europe’s fourth-largest automaker, selling over 1 million cars across the continent. However, last year, sales dropped to 426,000 units, placing Ford eighth behind Mercedes-Benz.
Ford aims to boost its market position as Chinese manufacturers expand into Europe with growing sales figures.
In the commercial vehicle sector, Ford remains one of Europe’s leading brands, though Stellantis sells more vehicles through a combination of several brands.
The company will immediately launch sales of its Ranger Super Duty pickup truck in Europe for use in emergency services, forestry, mining, and military operations. Several governments in Europe and North America have already shown interest in this vehicle.
Ford also announced plans to sell a fully electric transit van later this year, designed specifically for urban areas.