For the head of Ford’s electric vehicle division, the choice of the Almussafes plant for its next models is good news for Spain, but it also implies a transformation and reorganization of work and employment
Since June last year, Martin Sander has been the general manager of Ford Model E in Europe. This new global business unit from Ford is part of the company’s drive to accelerate the transformation of its global automotive industry.
Martin SandersIn his role as CEO, will lead the production of next-generation electric vehicles, as well as the development of software, technologies and services for connected vehicles, and predicts an automotive future where no one will miss the combustion of today’s vehicles.
A transformation in which the brand’s factory in Almussafes (Valencia) plays a very important role, as it was chosen to assemble vehicles based on Ford’s own next-generation electric vehicle architecture. According to Sander, this presupposes
good news for Spainbut it also implies a transformation and reorganization of work and employment.
– What does this commitment from Ford to produce its electric models in Spain mean?
I think it’s great for Spain and for Valencia that Ford is considering making another substantial investment in electrification, but it’s also true that we need to restructure everywhere. The time it takes to produce an electric vehicle is significantly shorter than the time it takes to produce an internal combustion engine vehicle. Depending on who you ask, it’s between 30% and 50%, so we’ll need less capacity to build vehicles in the future. That’s a reality. And that applies to all factories everywhere, and as a result Valencia also has to go through a restructuring program. The new electric era will lead to a significant reduction in factory working hours, between 30% and 50% less.
– Does this mean a reduction in the number of jobs?
We are currently exploring the many opportunities we have for the facilities in Valencia, a process that we will aim to complete in the coming year. For this we are already in talks with the social agents with the aim of downsizing Almussafes and looking for new opportunities. The truth is that in the future we will need less capacity to produce vehicles, that is the reality and it applies to all factories in all places for all factories for all factories and as a result Valencia also has to restructure a program of its size . In any case, Valencia’s choice to produce the brand’s new electric models is good news.”
– Ford’s commitment is to electrification, but are buyers and cities ready for the plug-in electric car?
The first all-electric model we launch on the European market is the Mustang Mach-E, which we import from the United States. It’s a very successful car, the only problem is that we can’t have all the cars we would like because it’s a product that’s in high demand. According to our plans, we will be one of the fastest growing car companies in Europe in the penetration of electric vehicles and we will be close to Tesla very soon. As for the customers, the electric car is simply better than the combustion engine, it drives smoother, it is quiet and the acceleration is instant. It only brings benefits, so I don’t think anyone will remember the combustion vehicle in 2035. It is true that the electrification process proceeds at different speeds.
For example, we have to look at Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, cities and countries like Belgium, where the electric car is already triumphing today. Germany’s electrification is also growing rapidly. So I wonder if in 2023 or 2024 there will be customers who still want combustion and I see no reason as long as progress is made with the installation of charging points.
– But the electric car is still more expensive. Can this not be a problem?
The brands are working on it and the prices will be balanced. I am confident that the transition to electric will happen much faster than the 2035 deadline.
– What do you think of the conditions set by the European Union for the end of combustion?
I don’t think it’s a problem or the deadline is short for two reasons. First, the automotive industry is ready and we will be ready so that we have a full range of electric vehicles by 2030. Our first 100% electric vehicle made in Europe will arrive at the end of 2023, as well as a second crossover model in 2024. Both will be assembled in Cologne (Germany). In addition, Ford will make the electric Puma (although we don’t know if it will bear this name) in Romania, and launch new electric versions of the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom, two commercial vehicles, which will be available in Turkey next year.
– One of the most successful models of the brand is the Kuga, manufactured in Spain. What is the future for this model?or?
The Kuga is ready for the Euro 7 emissions standards that new cars must meet from January 1, 2026, so we can produce it for a long period of time. As long as we see demand in the market, we’ll keep making the Kuga. It is a volume model that could be produced for many years to come, even after 2027. It is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe in all segments. It really is a great success story. Plug-in hybrids like the Kuga still have transition technology. Our plan is to move to a 100% electric model in Europe.
– China dominates the battery market and more and more Chinese vehicles are entering Europe. Is it a danger to the European car industry?
They are two different things, on the one hand Chinese vehicles and on the other hand the supply of batteries. In terms of supply, we are constantly looking for supplies from different sources, from different companies and around the world. In fact, for the coming year we have guaranteed the supply of 100% of the batteries. In the second aspect, we have a very solid product plan for the next one, and I think we European brands should not be afraid of the vehicles coming from China. At Ford, we also have a track record of success. Our model is to build a very professional and very profitable business with electric vehicles and we are well on our way to doing that, here we have a very strong product plan.
In its pursuit of electrification, Ford has split into specific areas for electric and combustion engines. The brand plans to double its operating margins by 2026 and exceed 10%, compared to 5.4% in 2021. To this will be added the commercial model arm.
Ford Pro, founded in May 2021. The three divisions will share certain elements, but will operate practically independently. The rationale for this decision is to double operating margins by 2026 and exceed 10%, compared to 5.4% in 2021. For that year, they also estimate that they will produce more than two million zero-emission models. Ford will report separate financials for the Blue, Model and Pro starting next year.
The decision to create Model e came from the success of the teams that developed the Ford GT, Mustang Mach-E or the F-150 Lightning pickup, as well as the electric car division operating in China.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
