Ford Implements Short-Time Work in Cologne Amid EV Sales Slump

The automaker's Cologne plant faces production cuts as demand for electric vehicles falls short of expectations.

Ford will introduce short-time work for approximately 2,000 employees at its Cologne plant due to low demand for its electric vehicles, the Explorer and Capri.
The short-time work schedule will involve alternating weeks of work and non-work until the Christmas holidays, with production resuming on January 6, 2025.
The decline in EV sales has been exacerbated by the end of government subsidies in Germany and consumer uncertainty regarding future vehicle values.
Ford has invested around 1.9 billion euros to transition the Cologne plant to electric vehicle production, but sales have not met projections.
The broader German auto industry is also experiencing a downturn, with other manufacturers like Volkswagen facing similar challenges.