Overview

• Workers at Ford's Cologne plant began an indefinite strike on May 12, 2025, marking the first labor action of its kind at the facility since its founding in 1930.
• The strike was initiated after 93.5% of IG Metall union members voted to protest management's plan to cut 2,900 jobs by 2027.
• Ford's European passenger car market share has declined sharply, falling from 5.0% in 2022 to 3.5% in 2024, raising concerns about the viability of its operations.
• Experts highlight three potential paths forward for Ford's European business: selling the division, forming a joint venture (potentially with Renault), or significantly increasing investment in electric vehicle production and brand repositioning.
• The Cologne plant has struggled with underperforming EV sales and high costs, with key components sourced from Volkswagen limiting profitability and competitiveness.