Ford Pledges to Keep its German Plants until 2032

Ford Europe management has decided to keep its plant in Germany until 2032 under the condition that at least 1,000 jobs will be maintained, according to foreign media reports. It is reported that the plant currently employs 4,500 people.

Markus Thal, president of the plant's union, sent a letter to all employees on March 29 saying, "Thanks to our solidarity, this goal has been achieved."

But a Ford spokesman said that the company's final decision to close the plant has not changed and that it will still stop producing Focus at the Saarlouis plant after 2025 as planned. The spokesman also revealed that priority will be given to attracting investors to take over the plant.

In order to keep their jobs, the employees agreed to reduce the capacity of the plant. Starting April 1, the plant's capacity will be reduced from 860 units per day to 600 units per day. At the same time, however, the original plan to produce 117,000 Focus units per year will remain intact, and employees will work in two shifts of 300 units per day. After 2025, however, the plant will only retain employees for tasks other than Focus production.

China's BYD, Canada's Magna International and the Netherlands' VDL Nedcar are among the companies showing interest in taking over the Ford plant, according to people familiar with the matter.

It is reported that Ford plans to electrify its products in the European market by 2030 and all products by 2035. Previously, Ford had selected its Valencia plant in east Spain to restructure its operations and produce a new generation of electric vehicles for the European market, which also foreshadowed the inevitable closure of the Saarlouis plant.