Ford Motor has presented in Europe a new strategy for the coming years which combines the launch of new models, the strengthening of its commercial vehicle division, and a more cautious approach to electrification. At the heart of this plan is the Spanish plant in Almussafes (Valencia), which has been assigned the production of the next [model/model]. Bronco European, a move that reduces uncertainty about its immediate future.
The announcement comes at a delicate time for the Valencian factory, which has been operating for some time with low workload and temporary labor measuresThe confirmation of a multi-energy SUV from the Bronco family for 2028, along with the rollout of other models designed specifically for the European market, paints a new industrial picture for Ford in Europe and, in particular, for Spain.
A European roadmap with seven new models…
At a meeting with European dealers and partners held in Salzburg, the company with the oval logo detailed a seven-model product offensive for Europe until the end of 2029The plan includes five passenger cars and two commercial vehicles, all integrated into a new global brand platform called Ready-Set-Ford, which focuses on "work," "exciting performance," and "off-road adventure."
Within the roadmap, Ford has confirmed that The five new passenger cars will be designed and manufactured in Europe. Designed with the European customer in mind, the range will combine the off-road DNA and rally heritage of the American firm with multi-energy technologies, moving away from an exclusive focus on 100% electric cars and including hybrid and combustion engines.
The offensive is structured around a Bronco adapted for Europe, an electric utility vehicle in the B segment With a sporty focus, a small electric SUV designed for the city and two multi-energy crossovers will arrive before the end of the decade. In parallel, two specialized commercial models are being added, one of them fully electric, with which the brand seeks to strengthen its position in the professional sector.
Five European passenger cars: Bronco, urban electric cars and crossovers…
Beyond the Valencian Bronco, Ford has specified that The new European range of passenger cars will consist of five brand-new models. which should be on the market before the end of 2029. All will be produced in Europe and will combine different propulsion technologies, with a notable presence of multi-energy configurations.
The plan includes a B-segment electric hatchback It will bring some of the spirit of rally competition to a compact street format, with sportier handling than usual for its class. Alongside it will be a small, all-electric SUV, designed for urban use and with a design language also inspired by the world of rallying, but adapted to the demands of the city.
Two complete the family Multi-energy crossovers that will arrive at the end of the decade and are intended to cover a broad segment of the European market, where demand for versatile vehicles with diverse engine options remains high. Collectively, these five passenger cars aim to recover the ground lost by historic departures such as Mondeo, Party o Focusbetting on a renewed offer that is consistent with the ongoing transition.
To gain speed and competitiveness, Ford has turned to strategic alliances with other manufacturers. Among them, the agreement with RenaultThe agreement stipulates that the French brand will build two affordable cars for Ford in France, based on the same technical platform as the Renault 5: one a compact B-segment car and the other a small SUV. According to the company, these collaborations allow for the sharing of platforms, suppliers, and industrial capabilities to reduce costs and lead times in a particularly demanding European environment.
New commercial vehicles: Ranger Super Duty and Transit City…
On the purely industrial front, Ford Pro has announced the arrival in Europe of two commercial vehicles with very different approaches. On the one hand, the Ranger Super Duty It positions itself as the most capable version of the legendary pickup truck Ranger, geared towards emergency services, forestry, mining and military applications, where extreme capabilities are required.
At the opposite end is located the Transit City, a 100% electric compact van Designed for fleets operating in urban environments and Low Emission Zones, it will be available with a high-level standard specification and three body variants, including a chassis-cab solution for specialized conversions, and is expected to arrive at European dealerships by the end of the decade.
The Transit City will be integrated into Ford's commitment to provide specific solutions for last mile and urban delivery, a growing segment as European cities tighten restrictions on combustion engine vehicles in their urban centers.
Ford Pro: from van manufacturer to productivity partner…
Ford has converted to ford pro in one of the pillars of its European strategy. After more than a decade leading sales of Commercial Vehicles In Europe, the brand aims to evolve from its traditional role as a van and pickup manufacturer to that of a comprehensive productivity provider for businesses. The goal is to strengthen its digital business through connected solutions designed to improve the efficiency and profitability of self-employed individuals, SMEs, and large professional fleets.
The company intends that a significant portion of the operating profit of ford pro It derives from paid connected software and services. To this end, it has developed a digital ecosystem based on fleet management, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring thanks to the modems installed as standard in its Ford vans Since 2019. According to the company, more than 1,2 million European customers already use these tools, while digital subscriptions continue to grow thanks to high margins and the expansion of the connectivity business in Europe and Spain.
One of the key elements of the strategy is the so-called Uptime Services, designed to reduce unplanned downtime and improve the availability of the trailer dealerThanks to connectivity, workshops and dealerships can detect issues before they cause serious breakdowns and prepare parts in advance. Ford claims this system significantly reduces repair times and expands after-sales services. Furthermore, the brand is extending these digital tools to self-employed individuals and small businesses to strengthen its presence in the professional market.
Almussafes secures a workload with the European Bronco…
Plant Ford In Almussafes, a compact version of the Ford Bronco adapted to the European market. This new Ford SUV Multienergía will begin preliminary production at the end of 2027 and will be fully established in 2028 as a cornerstone of the brand's European strategy. This decision is a key development for Spanish industry and reinforces the role of the Valencian plant in the group's future industrial development in Europe.
The awarding of the European Ford Bronco This represents significant support for Almussafes, a plant that currently focuses its activity on the Ford Kuga and which has significantly reduced its production volumes in recent years. Before the pandemic, the factory easily exceeded 300.000 units annually thanks to several models in production, including the sedan. Ford MondeoWith this move, Ford seeks to regain competitiveness and guarantee greater stability for employment and the auxiliary industry linked to the Valencian automotive sector.
According to Jim BaumbickThe new Compact SUV It will be designed specifically for Europe, with dimensions, appearance, and positioning tailored to the preferences of the regional market. The brand believes the Bronco can offer differentiation against the growing competition from Asian manufacturers and prevent its models from losing their distinctive character. Although the start of production has been delayed until 2028, Ford maintains that the adjusted schedule will allow them to offer a more refined product, better aligned with the actual demand for electrification in Europe.
A plant in transition: Temporary Layoff Plans, the RED Mechanism and job prospects
The arrival of Ford Bronco to the plant Ford In Almussafes, this represents significant relief for a factory marked in recent years by workforce reductions, adjustments to staffing levels, and the application of the RED Mechanism. Since the end of 2024, the plant has been operating with a system similar to a rotating temporary layoff scheme due to low workload. The new Ford SUV It thus appears as a key opportunity to strengthen industrial activity and guarantee part of the future of employment in the Valencian automotive industry.
The unions have received the announcement with varying opinions. UGT believes that the Ford Bronco Multienergy can ensure industrial continuity and open the door to new projects for Almussafes, including future hybrid crossovers destined for the European market. However, STM-Intersindical Valenciana maintains a more cautious stance and demands specific details regarding production, workload duration, and the number of associated jobs. Furthermore, they point out the impact of wage restraint and the uncertainty accumulated by the workforce in recent years.
The impact of the new Ford TT It will also reach the local business community. Valencian Metallurgical Business Federation y Automotive and Mobility Cluster of the Valencian Community They believe the award strengthens the stability of hundreds of suppliers and auxiliary companies linked to the automotive industry. Furthermore, industrial developments such as the interest of Geely The facilities add strategic relevance to a plant that remains key to the automotive industry in the Valencian Community.
A more gradual electrification, closer to the regulations…
Ford has readjusted its strategy electrification both in passenger cars and commercial vehicles, maintaining the objective of moving towards zero-emission mobility, albeit with a more gradual approach. The company believes that excessively accelerating regulatory timelines could have negative effects on the market. Therefore, it advocates for a more flexible transition that allows for adapting the implementation of the electric car at the actual rate of adoption by consumers and businesses in Europe.
During a meeting held in Salzburg, the European management of Ford It conveyed to the EU institutions that CO2 targets must be accompanied by the development of charging infrastructure and sufficient demand for electrified vehicles. According to the brand, imposing overly rapid timelines could slow the renewal of the vehicle fleet and particularly affect the self-employed and small businesses. In this scenario, the Plug-in hybrid SUVs and the intermediate electrified models are taking on a strategic role within the European market.
The company is betting on bridging technologies such as plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles to reduce emissions more quickly and affordably without forcing all drivers to make the immediate switch to electric vehicle pure. This new direction, where the Ford Bronco The vehicle manufactured in Almussafes is gaining prominence, combining connectivity, progressive electrification, and a strengthened professional business. For Spain, the plan represents greater industrial stability and a key role within Ford's European strategy.
Source - Ford
Images | ford
