Ford to Cut 1,000 Jobs at Cologne Electric Vehicle Plant Due to Low Demand

Frankfurt, Germany — Ford Motor Co. announced on Tuesday plans to reduce its workforce by up to 1,000 positions at its electric vehicle plant in Cologne, Germany, citing unexpectedly low demand for battery-powered cars.

The company explained that the job cuts would focus on voluntary departures and buyout offers. This move is part of a broader restructuring plan revealed in November 2024, aiming to cut 4,000 jobs across Europe and the UK, with 2,900 of those reductions occurring in Germany.

Ford stated that it continuously monitors production volumes and aligns them with existing demand levels. "In Europe, the demand for electric vehicles is significantly below industry forecasts," the company expressed. As a result, from January onwards, the Cologne plant, which produces an electric version of the Explorer SUV, will reduce operations to one shift per day from the current two.

While electric vehicles represented 15.6 percent of the European market through July, up from 12.5 percent compared to the same timeframe last year, growth has not met expectations. According to Ford, this is partially due to the discontinuation of purchase subsidies in Germany. The company sold 260,000 vehicles of all types in the first seven months of the year, marking a 0.7 percent rise while maintaining a consistent market share of 3.3 percent, as reported by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.

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