The factory in Saarlouis was opened in 1970, and after 55 years it could be completely closed. Ford had talks with Chinese brands BYD and Chery about taking over the factory, but also with a German manufacturer of solar panels. However, the latest information suggests that the deal has not been made.
Although Ford intended to assemble its new electric models in this factory, it will not happen. Plans have changed and the new electric Ford models will be assembled at a factory in Valencia, Spain. Some information says that Ford made an agreement with the union IG Metall to lay off workers. Union representatives said that after 2025, around 1,000 workers will remain at the Saarlouis factory, who will be offered retraining, and that there will be no forced redundancies until 2032. Also, employees will be able to leave early with severance pay.
In September 2022, Ford officially presented the new generation Ford Mustang, and since then it could only be ordered in the United States. Now, the Ford Mustang, officially the best-selling sports car in the world last year, is also available in Europe with European specs.
The car comes in two body styles (Coupé and Cabrio). Its muscular appearance is adorned with thin LED headlights, an aggressive grille and an expanded color palette that includes three new shades (Ember Blue, Vapor Blue and Splash Yellow). Ford points out that the convertible has a fully lined folding roof that can be raised or lowered in eight seconds. Despite the folding roof, the Mustang still has enough space in its trunk, e.g. for two golf bags.
Both versions come with a lot of additional equipment (optional) and a lot of personalization options as well as a significantly changed interior design. This includes higher quality materials and fewer analogies. The old instrument panel has been replaced by an adaptive 12.4-inch display in combination with a high-resolution 13.2-inch display of the multimedia system.
Owners have a choice of 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions, a standard Performance Package that includes an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a lightweight rear axle cooler and cooler, Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip differential. The European version will be equipped with unique chassis tuning, larger rear balance bars, more powerful front shock absorbers and front and rear shock absorber housing stiffeners, intelligent adaptive cruise control with “stop and go” function, lane keeping system and collision avoidance system, emergency braking assist system when moving backwards, as well as a system for recognizing traffic signs with speed limit assistance, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires.
When it comes to the powertrain, the European Mustang is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 446 hp (333 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, down from the American model’s 487 hp (363 kW) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque. A high-performance active valve exhaust system, which is an option for US buyers, increases output to 493 hp (368 kW) and 417 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque.
The most powerful version, the Mustang Dark Horse, is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 453 hp (338 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, which is also less than the American version’s 507 hp (378 kW) and 417 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque.
When it comes to price, they vary from country to country. In Germany, the Mustang GT costs 59,900 euros, while in neighboring Austria it costs 86,000 euros.
Ford has announced that it is delaying a $12 billion investment due to huge losses in the production of electric vehicles, and predictions are that by the end of the year the loss will be almost $4.5 billion. This is due to large investments in next-generation electric vehicles and difficult market conditions.
According to the company’s report, in the last three months, Ford sold 20,962 electric vehicles, which is not bad, and the best seller was the Mustang Mach-E (14,824 units). However, the report shows an operating loss of US$1.3 billion, which means that each electric car sold generates a loss of around US$36,000. That’s definitely something to worry about.
Ford will slow down with electric vehicles, and keep the main focus on the classic range of vehicles powered by fossil fuels, because customers interested in electric vehicles are reluctant to pay a premium compared to gasoline or hybrid alternatives.
“A great product is no longer enough in the electric vehicle business. We have to be completely cost competitive. “Tesla has actually given us a tremendous gift, with a precise focus on the price and scale of the Model Y. They set the standard, and now we’re really moving forward in our second and third cycle of electric vehicle development,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley.
Ford won’t give up on electric cars entirely, but the demand from the UAW, who are seeking a 25 percent wage increase, definitely puts additional pressure on the company and will make business more difficult in the future.
