September 17, 2025 – Ford Motor Company has unveiled plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs at its Cologne, Germany, plant, citing sluggish demand for electric vehicles (EVs). The automaker will reduce production shifts from two to one starting in 2026, marking a significant downscaling of operations at the facility.
This move is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy initiated by Ford a year ago, which has already sparked protests and led to the factory’s first-ever strike. While employees initially accepted earlier reductions, the latest adjustments will bring cumulative layoffs to 2,900 by the end of 2027, primarily targeting administrative and R&D roles.
Ford emphasized that the cuts will be voluntary, offering affected workers severance packages or early partial retirement options. Final numbers depend on negotiations with employee representatives, with the first wave of departures potentially beginning as soon as January 2026. If implemented, the workforce would shrink to roughly 7,600—a stark contrast to the nearly 20,000 employees during the late 2010s.
The announcement comes just a month after Ford celebrated its centennial in Germany, with workers informed of the decision Tuesday morning. A company spokesperson told Motor1, “We recognize the impact this has on our team and are committed to supporting those affected.”
Ford’s European pivot toward EVs, including replacing popular models like the Fiesta and Focus with electric SUVs such as the Explorer and Capri, has fallen short of expectations. In 2024, new car registrations in Germany dropped 14.3% year-over-year, while Ford’s market share in the country slipped from nearly 7% a decade ago to just 4.5% after a brief recovery.
In contrast, Ford’s U.S. operations thrived in 2024, with 2.08 million vehicles sold—a 4.2% increase and the best performance since 2019. Electrified models and hybrid vehicles gained traction, while the iconic F-150 pickup maintained its dominance in the truck segment.
The diverging fortunes underscore Ford’s struggle to replicate its American success in Europe, where slowing EV adoption and competitive pressures have forced painful restructuring measures.
