Ford to cut 3,800 jobs across Europe

Ford said on Tuesday that it will cut 3,800 jobs across Europe over the next three years, with more than 1,000 jobs to be axed in the UK as it looks to focus on electric vehicles.

The car company said the move was "driven by the transition to fully electric powertrains and reduced vehicle complexity".

It will maintain an engineering organisation of around 3,400 roles in Europe, focused on vehicle design and development, as well as the creation of connected services.

In the UK, 1,300 jobs will be cut, while Germany and the rest of Europe will see 2,300 and 200 jobs slashed, respectively.

The company will axe 2,800 jobs in engineering and 1,000 jobs in administrative, marketing, sales and distribution functions.

Ford said its strategy to offer an all-electric fleet in Europe by 2035 was unchanged.

Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e in Europe, said: "We are completely reinventing the Ford brand in Europe. Unapologetically American, outstanding design and connected services that will differentiate Ford and delight our customers in Europe.

"We are ready to compete and win in Europe. Our first European-built electric passenger vehicle is being introduced this spring and will surely turn heads."

Sander said the decision to cut jobs had not been taken lightly. "We recognise the uncertainty it creates for our team, and I assure them we will be offering them our full support in the months ahead," he said.

"We will engage in consultations with our social partners so we can move forward together on building a thriving future for our business in Europe."