Ford’s strategy for its European footprint is clear. The June award for the GE2 pure electric platform points to a decisive shift at the Valencia facility, which will anchor the company’s electric ambitions in the heart of Europe. The plant at Almussafes is slated to transition into a central hub for Ford in the region as part of a broader push toward electrification. The move is scheduled to become visible in 2026, according to company sources cited in October, with the Valencia site poised to operate as the nerve center for Ford of Europe during the electric era. (Ford communications, summarized by Europa Press)
The emphasis on Valencia’s role was reiterated in Ford’s 2022 electric prize discussion, where the plant’s milestone status was highlighted. The brand underscored that the facility will help position Ford as the central hub for European operations. Through process innovations, Ford intends to move from the current production model toward a connected electric vehicle framework, leveraging the plant’s capabilities to host a manufacturing system built largely with Ford’s own technologies. (Europa Press summary of Ford’s statements)
Jesús Alonso, president and CEO of Ford Iberia, noted that the Ford+ plan has built on earlier successes, boosting electric vehicle output and expanding digital and technological services for customers. A notable development is the planned start of production in Cologne next year for the first three fully electric passenger cars. Ford projects nine model introductions in 2024 and targets Europe-wide sales exceeding 600,000 electric vehicles by 2026. (Ford Iberia press materials, attributed to Europa Press)
Alonso also pointed out that with the combined Ford Blue, Ford Model, and Ford Pro divisions, the company aims to reach a broad range of consumers with products that are more sustainable, accessible, and productive than ever before. The strategy emphasizes safety, inclusivity, and improved efficiency across the range of vehicles offered to customers.
future cars
By 2026, the exact lineup to be produced at the Almussafes site will be clarified. A critical question centers on whether certain models will be shifted from Valencia’s assembly lines. It is anticipated that next year the S-Max and Galaxy minivans will be discontinued in Valencia production, and the Transit van may follow, narrowing production to a smaller, more focused lineup. Within the ongoing discussion, the Ford Mustang Mach-E remains a leading contender for the plant’s future portfolio, though official confirmation has not yet been issued. The broader context points to a European strategy that prioritizes electrified, connected mobility with a robust manufacturing backbone in Spain. (Company announcements and industry analysis, attributed to internal planning notes)
The Valencia facility’s evolution reflects a larger industry trend toward electrification supported by substantial investments in European production capacity. The shift toward 100 percent electric models aligns with Ford’s commitment to reducing emissions, expanding charging-ready infrastructure, and delivering advanced connectivity features that integrate with digital services and customer experiences. Stakeholders watching the Valencia project note that the site’s transformation could influence supply chains, local employment, and regional competitiveness in the automotive sector. (Industry commentary and Ford planning documents, cited for context)