Ford of Europe’s electrification journey is set to cost at least 1,000 jobs in Germany, where the carmaker is transforming its Cologne Niehl plant in preparation for EV production this year.

German media suggests that, as a result of the $2 billion investment in Cologne, over 1,000 employees will be made redundant and mainstream models will be discontinued such as the Fiesta and Focus.

The carmaker told Kallanish on Monday it wouldn’t comment on the current speculation about a possible restructuring at Ford in Europe. However, the spokesperson said “more details will be shared once our plans are final, and we have informed our employees first.” There was no indication on this timeframe. 

The major plant update includes the construction of a new 2,500-square-metre building that will house a new and efficient pre-coating line on five floors. The new plant will have capacity to produce 200,000 EVs/year. The first BEV passenger car planned to roll-off production line this year is a medium-sized crossover, followed by a sports crossover in mid-2024.

Last year, Ford said the redevelopment of the Cologne Niehl plant was a significant step towards helping it to achieve an all-electric future in Europe. Then, it announced plans to produce nine BEV models in Europe by 2024 – five commercial models and four passenger vehicles. The Ford Cologne Electrification Centre is targeting EV production of 1.2 million units over a six-year timeframe.

“Ford remains committed and is currently accelerating its plans to build an all-electric portfolio of vehicles in Europe,” the spokesperson added. “By 2030, all new passenger cars sold by Ford in the EU will be electric, and by 2035 all new Ford Pro commercial vehicles will be electric. This transformation requires significant change in the way we develop, build and sell Ford vehicles, and will impact our organisational structure, talent, and skills we will need in the future.”