A glimpse at the Ford Mustang Mach-E trials at Almussafes
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, the company’s first fully electric sports model, has been a frequent sight at the Almussafes plant. Employees have been quietly observing the car during recent days as the brand moves toward electrification in 2026. The visible activity has sparked attention as the plant awaits clarity on which electrified models will roll out from Valencia once production shifts begin.
The testing method used in these trials is described by several people familiar with the process at the facility. Vehicles are handed over to workers who have already requested them, and those teammates take the cars out of the factory and drive them for about 20 to 30 minutes. News crews have noted these road tests on multiple occasions, confirming that several vehicles were drawn from the Madrid fleet for evaluation. Company spokespeople have stated that no employee was asked to test models beyond what has already been conducted in Valencia and other sites.
Company representatives have said the tests are standard practice. Workers get the chance to experience the latest developments as they become available, in a process similar to testing other models such as the Kuga or Puma. However, one source observed that these tests have occurred on other models at other times, and they find it noteworthy that this sequence is surfacing now. The source speculates Almussafes may be used for marketing purposes to showcase the vehicles as a means of raising visibility, given the current production uncertainties in Valencia.
A profile in the mix
Regardless of motive, the Mach-E trials sit within a broader set of possibilities about what will be produced at the Valencia facility. Industry chatter suggests that the plant could yield high-quality, larger vehicles that align with Europe’s demand for premium electric cars. One focal point in this evolution is Ford’s aim to compete with Tesla in Europe, with the Mach-E line seen as a key stepping stone. The GE2 electric platform planned for Almussafes is touted as the successor to the GE1 platform used by the Mustang Mach-E produced in Mexico.Martin Sander, the head of Ford’s European electrification division, has publicly spoken about the company’s European performance and the production hurdles that affect meeting demand. He emphasized that the path to scale remains a central challenge rather than a lack of interest in electric consumer demand.
Automotive industry dialogue gathered in Almussafes recently, highlighting a broader regional exchange about electrification and manufacturing. The venue hosted the first National Meeting of Automotive and Supply Industry Municipalities. Organized by the Valencia town council, the event drew mayors from across the region and a cross-section of officials including the regional Minister of Industry and other key officials. During the day, five discussion tables explored the status and future of the auto sector from varied viewpoints, including municipal impacts, worker perspectives, corporate strategies, and supplier dynamics. A notable session addressed the employment effects of electrification, featuring speakers from labor unions and the automotive cluster in the Valencian Community. The conversations touched on the broader implications of electric vehicle adoption and the potential for investment in facilities like Sagunto to influence the regional supply chain.