Ford finally realized that the discontinuation of models with internal combustion engines, on which the manufacturer built its image for many years, and a large investment of over two billion dollars in EVs was a failure. Now the American manufacturer is looking for the return of the ICE cars.
Gunnar Herrmann, Member of the Supervisory Board, believes that Ford’s survival depends on ICE cars and in a statement to the German press, he was more than clear that the current production at the factory where he is responsible is too small to justify two-shift operations. He also stated that he advised Ford managers in the United States that the focus in Europe should remain on ICE cars.
Why did Ford get into this situation? Well, the former head of the brand in Europe Martin Sanders, following the moves of other manufacturers, wanted Ford to take the best possible position in the EV market. However, his focus on Volkswagen, whose visionary chairman Herbert Diess realized that electric cars were the immediate future, was misguided. While the German company kept its strategy of selling ICE cars, Sanders hastened and discontinued the Fiesta and started preparations to do the same with the Focus in 2025. It was the wrong move.
While at Ford’s headquarters in the United States, they do not intend to reconsider this decision and save what they can, Ford is approaching total disappearance from the European market.
Source: Ford
