Ford initiates electric car manufacturing in Cologne.
Before 2018, Ford made an electric version of the Focus in a facility in Saarland. Unfortunately, it didn't do well. Now, they're trying again with a compact SUV fueled by electricity.
Ford has commenced large-scale production of its inaugural electric car, intended for widespread distribution in Europe. The first vehicle should be officially presented to a customer this afternoon. The initial production start was planned to take place in September of last year. However, preparations dragged on because of a new battery standard.
From 2013 to 2018, Ford produced the electric Focus electric in Saarland, but only in limited quantities and with little success. Their new vehicle is now entering mass production, and the Cologne plant is capable of producing 250,000 electric vehicles annually. Besides the recently started compact SUV - the Ford Explorer - another electric passenger car is set to be manufactured in Cologne.
Since 1930, the American company Ford has been active on the Rhine, where they've produced cars like the Ford Fiesta. The production of the Ford Fiesta stopped last year, making way for the new electric vehicle.
Ford has spent about two billion euros at the Cologne plant for their electric future. In terms of electric vehicles, they're late to the party, as many competitors are already established. Ford hopes for a significant sales volume of their new electric vehicle. However, the market for electric cars in general has not been doing well recently.
