Ford Expands its Role in the European Electric Vehicle Market

Photo Source: Ford

On June 12th, 2023, Ford opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, a production facility in Germany that the company claims is its first carbon-neutral assembly plant and will be dedicated to manufacturing the brand’s new generation of electric vehicles for the European market. The conversion of the historic Niehl plant in Cologne, originally established in 1930, is part of a substantial $2 billion investment. The facility will utilize autonomous transport systems, self-learning machines, and real-time data management to help enhance operational efficiency. 

The Greater Purpose of the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center

The Cologne Electric Vehicle Center will become Ford’s first carbon-neutral assembly plant worldwide, aligning with the automaker’s ambitious aim to achieve carbon neutrality across all its European facilities, direct suppliers, and logistics by 2035. The site has been meticulously designed for high efficiency, featuring a production line, tooling, battery assembly, and automation. 

The facility boasts an impressive annual production capacity of over 250,000 electric vehicles. Following the triumphant debuts of the E-Transit, F-150 Lightning, and Mustang Mach-E, Ford recently revealed its fourth global electric vehicle, the electric Explorer, which will be the inaugural electric vehicle produced at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center. This will be followed by the introduction of a sports crossover electric vehicle.

A History Lesson: Cologne Electric Vehicle Center

Since 1930, the site has played a pivotal role in the European automotive industry, producing iconic vehicles such as the Ford Model A, Capri, Taunus, Fiesta, and Granada. Over the span of more than 90 years, the Ford Cologne plant has been one of the manufacturer’s most efficient facilities worldwide, allowing millions of Europeans to experience the freedom of mobility across generations. 

Bill Ford, Executive Chair, detailed his excitement over the growing possibilities of the brand’s current endeavor: “Opening the Cologne EV Center is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Europe. This facility will now be one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible plants in the entire industry. I am thrilled to continue working toward a zero emissions future for our children and grandchildren.”

At the core of the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center’s operations are digital advancements that facilitate seamless connectivity between vehicles, machines, and workers. The integration of autonomous transport systems, real-time big data management, and self-learning machines improves the efficiency of production processes and assures continuous advancement and high quality. In addition, real-time data exchange with other plants enables knowledge transfer and shared experiences. 

Ford’s “Road to Better” Plan

In line with its Road to Better plan, the Blue Oval is actively altering the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center into a carbon-neutral structure. The company’s goal is to minimize emissions and energy consumption through the adoption of new machinery, processes, and technologies. For example, the natural gas and electricity necessary for the plant’s operations are carbon neutral, sourced from 100 percent certified renewable electricity and biomethane. Furthermore, the energy provider plans to reduce their operating emissions for heat delivery by approximately 60 percent in the 2026 model year and eliminate these emissions entirely by 2035. 

Needless to say, Ford has grand goals for the future of the company and the future of the automotive industry as a whole. It is because of the automaker’s industriousness that it has achieved the largest investment in its history at the Ford plant in Cologne. Past activity suggests that Ford has much more to offer in the coming months, so stay ahead of the curve by visiting Sunrise Ford, where helping our customers enjoy their car shopping experience is our first priority. Buying, leasing, or selling your automobile will be a breeze while you look through our new vehicle inventory.