Ford will lay off 4 thousand employees in Europe and reduce the production of electric cars (2 photos)
Ford's European division has officially announced its readiness to take extreme measures. Around 4,000 employees will lose their jobs by 2027, and production of Explorer and Capri electric vehicles will be cut as early as early 2025. In addition, Ford has requested support from the EU authorities in general and Germany in particular. 
Ford explains the need for such measures by the losses incurred in recent years and the sharp discrepancies between the projected and actual demand for electric cars. The restructuring should increase the manufacturer's competitiveness, which in theory will allow it to survive difficult times.
The layoffs will be primarily in Germany, but the reductions will also affect the branch in the UK. The Cologne plant, where the recently introduced battery-powered Explorer and Capri crossovers are produced, will introduce shortened work shifts. It is noteworthy that the site, which Ford turned into a flagship enterprise for the production of electric cars, cost the concern $ 2 billion, the prospects for which are now unclear. 
Ford CFO John Lawler said that the concern still supports the policy of reducing emissions, but the electric car industry is currently in dire need of help from the authorities. This could be expressed, for example, in stimulating buyers through the return of subsidies, investments in charging infrastructure and other measures to support manufacturers. In addition, Lawler called on the EU to show more flexibility in forcing the auto industry to reduce harmful emissions.
Ford's European division said it would continue to sell vehicles with traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains in the local market, while complying with local environmental standards.
