- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has responded positively to the news.
- Ford says it still needs to make a formal decision on whether to build the new SUV in Spain.
- It is uncertain if the vehicle will be sold outside of Europe.
Ford may build a new SUV at its facility in Valencia, Spain, and while limited details about this model are known, it could be a completely new model and have a hybrid powertrain.
The site currently handles the production of the Kuga SUV and employs 4,800 people. It had been responsible for producing the Mondeo, S-Max, and Galaxy, but all three have been axed. In a recent statement, Ford confirmed its interest in building a new model in Spain but said it is still subject to a formal decision.
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“We are closely monitoring the evolution of the European markets for opportunities to enhance our current product offering,” Ford said in a statement. “Given the changes we see in the industry, we believe there is an opportunity to add an all-new multi-energy SUV to the Europe cycle plan, to be manufactured in Valencia.”
While a final decision still needs to be made, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez praised the move on X.
“Great news for Valencia, Spain and the workers of @FordSpain,” he wrote. “The company’s decision to produce electric vehicles guarantees the viability of the Almussafes plant for the coming years.”
The General Workers Union (UGT) that represents workers at the factory also responded positively to the news, telling Spanish publication Cinco Dias that “Almussafes will have a new vehicle and will maintain a sufficient workload.” Francisco Segura from the Valencian Automotive and Mobility Group added it was “positive news.”
Limited details about this potential new model are known. If it is sold exclusively as a hybrid, there’s a good chance it will only be sold in markets where hybrids are popular and fuel economy standards are strict, like Europe.