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Ford To Cut Up to 1,000 Jobs at Cologne EV Plant, Move to Single Shift in 2026

Ford cites weaker-than-expected European EV demand, opting for voluntary buyouts.

Overview

  • Production in Cologne will shift from two daily shifts to one starting in January 2026, with up to 1,000 roles affected.
  • Ford says European demand for battery-electric cars remains significantly below industry forecasts.
  • The company plans to handle most reductions through voluntary departures and separation packages.
  • The Cologne Electric Vehicle Center builds the Explorer and Capri after an investment of roughly $2 billion to modernize the site.
  • The step is part of Ford’s broader Europe restructuring announced in November 2024 targeting about 4,000 roles, following additional 2025 cuts, as BEVs reached about 15.6% of the EU market after subsidy pullbacks in Germany.