The American automobile company Ford has announced this Tuesday that it will cut 3,800 jobs in Europe over the next three years. The decision is part of the company's plan to reduce costs and optimize its profitability to face the current economic situation and the growing competition to manufacture electric vehicles.
The cut will mainly affect Ford workers in Germany and the United Kingdom, where 2,300 and 1,300 jobs will be cut, respectively, the majority in engineering. Another 200 posts will also be abolished at other, unspecified locations. In total, the multinational will reduce its workforce in Europe by 11%, made up of 34,000 workers. To do this, it undertakes to open consultations with the social agents so that the majority of departures occur voluntarily.
"These are difficult decisions, which are not taken lightly. We recognize the uncertainty it creates for our team and I assure you that we will offer our full support in the coming months," Ford Model Europe general manager Martin said in a statement. Sander.
The manufacturer's strategy is to offer a fleet of fully electric vehicles by 2035. It also ensures that production of its first electric car made in Europe will begin at the end of this year.
The job cuts come amid a sea change in the global auto industry, which is undergoing a conversion to electric vehicles, which is leading to intense competition among automakers to position themselves well in this sector.
“Paving the way to a sustainably profitable future for Ford in Europe requires broad-based action and change in the way we develop, build and sell Ford vehicles,” commented Martin Sander. And he added: “This will have an impact on the organizational structure, talent and skills that we will need in the future.”
