Only a few weeks remain before Ford reveals whether the Almussafes plant has finally overtaken the Saarlouis factory in Germany and whether it has earned fresh electric vehicle accolades. The American multinational has entered the market with a broad roadmap spanning 36 partner companies, and attention is rising for the Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation of the Electric Vehicle (Perte) launched by the government. This initiative is set to mobilize about 12 billion euros to accelerate the sector.
The Detroit-based automaker is part of the Automotive Perte slate and will bring Valencian firms from diverse sectors into its ecosystem. Close sources confirm to this publication that power electronics, automotive component suppliers, startups in wireless services, and software developers will be involved. Companies operating in Valencia include established players and scale-ups alike, with collaborations spanning from robotics and automation to advanced communication platforms. Additionally, other manufacturers with operations in the province are joining the effort, named are Gestamp, Grupo Antolín, and Yanfeng, along with global players such as Vodafone. In parallel, participation from other autonomous communities, including Madrid, is anticipated in related automotive technology initiatives.
Yet, according to multiple insiders, Ford Spain’s Perte entry did not translate into the level of “investment” hoped for by the various actors. This hesitancy underscores ongoing uncertainty about the project’s future. With Almussafes facing potential restructuring, observers note that joint responsibility looms if the effort falters. In such a scenario, one partner may need to step in to assume certain roles. Meanwhile, other multinational players, notably Volkswagen, have already signaled plans to establish a battery gigafactory at Parc Sagunt II within Perte, with a projected collective investment near 10 billion euros among participants.
More than 311 companies and 487 projects
During a recent parliamentary session, the Head of Government announced that Perte will distribute roughly 3 billion euros in public aid, drawing on a mix of non-refundable funds and low-interest loans. The brief also highlighted that the program brings together 311 companies within 13 large groups, collectively backing 487 projects across Spain’s geography. As industry officials assess the scenario, there is concern about potential investment concentration in certain regions. The Ministry of Industry outlines an approach that treats each project on its own merits, rather than pursuing regional balance. This policy stance aims to empower each driver’s association and involve companies across autonomies, with the expectation that broad-based participation will stimulate the entire sector.