Automotive News Europe — 2024-03-28
Automotive Industry
Politicians and unions welcomed the addition of a new model at the Valencia factory, which employs 4,800 people.
Ford Motor is considering building a new SUV at its factory in Valencia, Spain, the company said.
"We are closely monitoring the evolution of the European markets for opportunities to enhance our current product offering," Ford said.
"Given the changes we see in the industry, we believe there is an opportunity to add an all-new multi-energy SUV to the Europe cycle plan, to be manufactured in Valencia," the automaker added.
Ford said this was still subject to a formal decision. It did not specify what model it wants to build. Reports in the Spanish media said it will be a hybrid and a completely new vehicle.
The Valencia plant, which employs 4,800 people, builds the Kuga SUV after other models, including the Mondeo midsize car and S-Max and Galaxy minivans, were axed.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the decision was positive news for Valencia and the workers at Ford Spain.
"Great news for Valencia, Spain and the workers of @FordSpain. The company's decision to produce electric vehicles guarantees the viability of the Almufasses plant for the coming years," he said in a message on X.
The General Workers Union (UGT) told Cinco Dias on Thursday: "Almussafes will have a new vehicle and will maintain a sufficient workload."
Ford has previously said it will build its next-generation electric vehicles in Valencia on a new US-developed platform.