Ford says it will not exit Europe

Ford said on May 18 it was renewing its commitment to Europe, laying out a three-year regional strategy after months of speculation about the future of its business there. Jim Baumbick, Ford’s president in Europe, presented the plan at a gathering of European dealers and partners in Salzburg, Austria, while the company separately detailed seven new models due by 2029. Reuters reported Baumbick also said Ford aimed to grow market share in Europe rather than retreat. The announcement came after Ford had spent the past two years cutting jobs, reducing production and warning that its European passenger-car business was under pressure. ### Did Ford directly address the idea that it might leave Europe? Ford’s May 18 strategy launch did not use the phrase “not exiting Europe,” but the company described the plan as “a renewal of our commitment to European drivers and businesses.” In a Reuters interview published the same day, Baumbick said Ford’s plan was “to actually grow our market share” in the region, language that underscored continued operations rather than withdrawal. (money.usnews.com) John Lawler, Ford’s vice chair and chief financial officer, had already said in a November 2024 letter cited by the company that Ford was committed to Europe and to the region’s 2035 emissions targets. Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice president for transformation and partnerships, said at the time that Ford had been in Europe for more than 100 years and was committed to building a business there “for generations to come.” (money.usnews.com) ### What exactly is Ford promising in Europe now? Ford said it will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, including five passenger vehicles and two commercial vehicles. Reuters reported the passenger lineup will include a small electric car, a small electric SUV built at a Renault plant in northern France using Renault technology, and three SUVs offered as hybrids as well as fully electric models. (fromtheroad.ford.com) Baumbick wrote in Ford’s May 18 post that the rollout would unfold over the next three years and would be tied to a new “Ready Set Ford” brand platform in Europe. Ford also said it would expand its Ford Pro commercial-vehicle business, which it described as Europe’s leading commercial-vehicle brand for 11 years running, and would push more software and uptime services for fleet customers. (money.usnews.com) ### Why had questions about Ford’s future in Europe been building? Ford said on November 20, 2024, that it would cut 4,000 jobs in Europe by the end of 2027, with the reductions concentrated in Germany and the UK. The company also said weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles would lead to additional short-time working days at its Cologne plant in early 2025. (fromtheroad.ford.com) Reuters reported that Ford had already closed its Saarlouis plant in Germany and was shedding jobs at Cologne as it restructured after a steep loss of market share. According to the Reuters report, Ford sold more than 1 million cars in Europe a decade ago but just over 426,000 last year, dropping to eighth place from fourth, while Chinese brands including BYD and Chery expanded in the market. (fromtheroad.ford.com) ### Who is leading the effort in Europe? Ford named Jim Baumbick president of Ford Europe effective November 1, 2025, the company said in an October 10, 2025 leadership announcement. Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley said at the time the appointments were intended to strengthen global operations, while the company said Baumbick would lead European strategy, product planning and execution. (money.usnews.com) Baumbick has become the public face of Ford’s latest Europe plan. In Salzburg on May 18, he tied the strategy to new passenger vehicles, commercial-vehicle expansion and a call for European regulation to better match consumer demand, including more flexibility for hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles. (fromtheroad.ford.com) ### What comes next for Ford in the region? Ford said the first European campaigns under the “Ready Set Ford” banner will launch this month. The company’s new regional product plan runs through 2029, with five new passenger vehicles and two commercial models scheduled to arrive during that period, according to Ford and Reuters. (money.usnews.com)