Ford to cut 4,000 jobs in Europe amid restructuring

Ford has announced plans to eliminate 4,000 jobs across its European operations, marking the second significant round of layoffs in just two years. The decision comes as the company seeks to streamline its operations and shift focus toward electrification and automation in the automotive sector.

The job cuts are expected to primarily affect administrative and support roles, with the company stating that they are part of a broader effort to reduce costs and improve the competitiveness of its European business. This move follows a similar reduction in 2022, when Ford reduced its European workforce by 5,000 jobs amid declining sales and a need for restructuring in response to changing market demands.

Ford’s European operations, which include major plants in the UK, Germany, and Spain, have been under pressure as the company accelerates its transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The automaker has been grappling with high manufacturing costs and stiff competition in the EV market, making these workforce reductions a necessary part of its long-term strategy to remain viable.

The company has emphasized that the job cuts will be made in a “fair and transparent” manner, and it will provide support to affected employees, including outplacement services and financial assistance.

While the news of the layoffs has drawn criticism from labor unions, Ford has maintained that the restructuring is essential for positioning the company for future growth in an increasingly competitive automotive landscape.

“We remain committed to our European operations, and these steps will enable us to better serve our customers while adapting to the rapid changes in the automotive industry,” said a Ford spokesperson.

The job reductions come at a challenging time for the European automotive industry, which is undergoing a significant transformation as manufacturers race to meet environmental regulations and shifting consumer preferences for greener vehicles.

Ford’s move is seen as part of a broader trend of automakers restructuring their operations in the face of increasing pressure to modernize and invest in future technologies.