The outlook for the Ford plant in Almussafes has brightened this Monday with the company's management confirming that the Valencian factory will manufacture a new vehicle, the Bronco, starting in 2028. This multi-energy SUV will begin production at the Ribera Baixa plant, as detailed by Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick. The assignment of this model ensures continued workload for the factory, which had been awaiting this announcement for months.
The company's management took advantage of a meeting with European dealers and partners to present its work plan for the continent's plants. Of the five new passenger cars to be manufactured in Europe, Almussafes will undertake the production of what the company calls the “new member of the global Bronco family in Europe”. Additionally, Ford will produce a small electric utility vehicle, a small electric SUV, and two multi-energy crossovers in Europe, which will be progressively introduced to the market by 2029.
Nicola Gilda, president of the European Dealer Council of Ford, stated: “We support Ford's strategy to go on the offensive in Europe. Leveraging the success of Ford Pro and Ford's racing heritage for the design of new passenger cars makes it clear that Ford is back to win”.
This new order comes at a crucial time for Ford Almussafes, which currently only manufactures the Kuga model and has an active temporary employment regulation file (ERTO) under the RED mechanism. The plant has scheduled eight production stoppage days in May, affecting 4,152 workers on a rotational basis. The chairman of the works council, Carlos Faubel, had previously anticipated good news soon, acknowledging the complexity of changes in the automotive industry.
From the works council, Carlos Faubel expressed satisfaction with the announcement and stated that the Valencian plant is ideal for the other two models awaiting assignment. Meanwhile, the STM-Intersindical Valenciana union has requested the management to clarify the production volume and jobs required for the new order, hoping to maintain all positions within the company and its auxiliary sector.
The head of the Consell, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, celebrated the news as "great news for all our industry," emphasizing that "Betting on the Valencian Community is betting on talent and the future, and Ford knows this well".
