Ford announces plans to invest £1 billion to manufacture electric vehicles in the UK, creating thousands of new jobs in the process. This investment comes as part of Ford’s goal to have an all-electric passenger vehicle range in Europe by 2030.
The investment will be made in Ford’s existing manufacturing plants in the UK, including the production facility in Halewood, Merseyside, which will become the company’s centre for battery electric vehicle manufacturing. The new facility will produce electric powertrains, starting with the next-generation electric vehicle architecture.
The UK government has welcomed the investment, stating that it will create approximately 1,000 new jobs at Ford’s Halewood facility alone, and a further 9,000 jobs across the UK supply chain. The investment will also be used to create a new battery assembly centre, which will be operated by Ford and its partner, Korean battery manufacturer SK Innovation.
Ford’s decision to invest in electric vehicle manufacturing in the UK comes as part of a larger trend within the automotive industry, as more and more car manufacturers are transitioning to electric vehicles in response to increased environmental regulations and consumer demand. This investment also aligns with the UK’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as part of its efforts to tackle climate change.
In a statement, Stuart Rowley, president, and CEO of Ford of Europe said, “This investment in our electrification facilities in the UK is another significant step forward for Ford’s European transformation. It will allow us to offer our customers more electrified vehicles with even more confidence and support our target of a zero-emission capable fleet in Europe by 2026.”
In conclusion, Ford’s investment in UK electric vehicle manufacturing is a significant move towards achieving its goal of having an all-electric passenger vehicle range in Europe by 2030. This investment not only creates thousands of new jobs but also supports the UK’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.