Ford invests $2.3 Billion in Spanish plant to increase production by 40%

• Ford Motor Company invests €2.3 billion since 2011 in Valencia, Spain, manufacturing operation; largest ever investment in Spain’s auto industry

• Vehicle production in Valencia will increase 40 per cent to around 400,000 units in 2015; new high-tech bodyshop raises daily production capacity to 2,000 vehicles

• With six nameplates in 2015, even more bodystyles, and the capacity to manufacture up to 450,000 vehicles a year, Valencia is one of Ford’s largest and most flexible plants worldwide
• Ford Valencia operations now employ 8,000 people, up from just below 5,000 in early 2013;  supplier operations supporting Valencia production have increased employment by 1,500 jobs since 2013

• Valencia plant currently builds Mondeo wagon, five-door, and four-door including Mondeo Hybrid, Kuga SUV, Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and Tourneo Connect people-mover; all-new S-MAX multi-activity vehicle, Galaxy seven-seat people-mover and Vignale Mondeo go into production later this year

• Valencia is one of Spain’s top automotive exporters, with 80 per cent of its production to 75 countries worldwide, including North America

Ford Motor Company today announced it is completing the final part of a €2.3 billion investment in its Valencia, Spain, manufacturing operations, transforming it into one of the world’s most advanced, flexible and productive auto plants.

The investment by Ford is the largest in the history of Spanish auto industry and will allow the Valencia plant to increase vehicle production by 40 per cent this year to about 400,000 vehicles, and will have the capacity to potentially build up to 450,000 vehicles a year.

Valencia also is today one of Spain’s top automotive exporters, with 80 per cent of its production being exported worldwide.

Ford now employs about 8,000 people at the facility, up from just below 5,000 in early 2013. Supplier operations supporting Valencia production also have added 1,500 jobs since 2013.

“This world-class facility will help Ford’s accelerate its growth in Europe and around the world,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer. 

“Valencia is not only a major hub of production – building vehicles and engines exported to 75 countries worldwide – but also a centre of innovation employing some of the industry’s most advanced lean, flexible and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.”

In 2015, Valencia will build six Ford nameplates and even more body styles. The plant currently builds the all-new Mondeo wagon, five-door, and four-door including the Mondeo Hybrid, Kuga SUV, Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and Tourneo Connect people-mover. The all-new S-MAX multi-activity vehicle, Galaxy seven-seat people-mover and the Vignale Mondeo go into production later this year.

The investment consisted of an initial €1.1 billion announced in 2011, followed by a further €1.2 billion since 2013. Valencia will be the sole European production source for all six Ford nameplates assembled at the plant.  

Flexible, modern and efficient

The Ford Valencia facility has produced more than 11 million vehicles and 15 million engines since production started in 1976. The plant was officially opened by King Juan Carlos and Henry Ford II helping Spain emerge from decades of isolation from the global economic stage.

Almost 40 years later, the plant is at the forefront of Ford’s plan to accelerate the pace of the progress on its One Ford plan, deliver product excellence and incorporate innovation into every part of the business.

A new 89,000 m2 bodyshop constructed over nearly eight months raises the plant’s vehicle production capability to about 2,000 units per day. For production of Mondeo and Mondeo Hybrid, the plant was retooled to deliver an industry-first application of hydro-formed high strength steel.

Ford has constructed an additional paint shop, installing automated paint processes that remove the need for paint-drying between application stages, and dirt detection technology. This improves quality while delivering energy and productivity savings.

New assembly line processes make Valencia among Ford’s most efficient facilities, essential to managing the increased complexity of producing more models and derivatives than any Ford facility in Europe. For example, in line with the global Ford Production System, all production components are now transported alongside the vehicle in a pre-assembled kit, saving time and effort.

Since 2011 more than 900 new robots have been installed in the Valencia bodyshops, and 34 in the final assembly areas to help deliver the highest quality standards. Nearly 600 highly skilled engineers are involved in supporting the high-tech production processes in Valencia.

“Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy will grow the number of parts we manage from 7,000 to 18,000, requiring some fresh and innovative solutions,” said Tony Ades, operations manager, Valencia. 

“Strong relationships with unions and local government have been essential to developing a flexible facility that can respond quickly and efficiently to changes in demand for our vehicles, with a highly trained and motivated workforce able to operate across our assembly lines.”

Last year, the plant contributed to Ford’s sustainability goals by recycling 3,850 tonnes of wood, paper and cardboard, and by improving its efficiency in water and electricity consumption per car by three per cent. 

Vignale Center

Valencia will in 2015 also complete a new Vignale Center, a specially-created department dedicated to ensuring exacting levels of quality and fulfilling customer expectations of Ford’s new upscale Vignale product and ownership experience.

Vignale debuts this year with the Ford Vignale Mondeo, and each vehicle will pass through an additional sign-off process where trained experts will assess criteria including paint finish and panel alignment assisted by the latest laser and camera technology.

“Ford is the engine behind automotive industry growth in Spain,” said Jose Machado, chairman, Ford of Spain. “The combination of innovative product, forward-looking investment, strong local relationships, and hardworking, flexible employees will continue to deliver meaningful progress in improving our overall business in Europe.”

JANUARY UK SALES - FORD - The Blue Oval continues to dominate UK sales for the 7th Decade running

Ford was the clear leader in total vehicle, car and CV sales in January as it commenced its 39th consecutive year of UK car sales leadership and is on track to complete 50 consecutive years of UK commercial vehicle (CV) sales leadership.

According to the official sales figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

• Ford leads UK overall, car and CV sales in January.
• Fiesta leads sales in its seventh successive year as the UK best seller.
• Fiesta sales exceed the total sales of all but five rival car makers.
• Ford CV sales and share up in January.
• Transit nameplate sales would place it third in total vehicle sales.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "Ford’s strong sales start to 2015 builds on the momentum sustained through 2014 and is a direct result of the continued investment in exciting products and industry-leading technologies.

“Following the complete re-vamp of our CV range last year, we will renew around 60 per cent of our passenger cars this year, including the new Focus ST, C-MAX, S-MAX, Mustang and Vignale models. The recently-announced Ford GT and Focus RS will be our future technological and performance flagships.”

According to the official SMMT figures, January car sales in the UK were up 6.7 per cent at 164,856 registrations, compared with January 2014.  Ford sold 21,480 cars, 4,545 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford Fiesta’s January registrations of 8,674 made it the clear UK best-seller and this sales total would place it seventh in the list of top-selling car manufacturers, meaning that Fiesta on its own outsells the car ranges of all but five of Ford’s rival car makers.

Ford’s broad customer appeal across its car range is demonstrated by Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Kuga and Galaxy all occupying top three places in their respective market segments.

UK commercial vehicle sales in January were up 23.4 per cent at 24,646, compared with January 2014.  Total sales of Ford CVs were up 27.9 per cent at 6,481, compared with January 2014.  Ford light commercials sales in January were up from 604 to 1,740 registrations, compared with January 2014, and its LCV market share increased from 12.3 to 25.5 per cent. 

Ford Transit has led the UK CV sector from its launch in 1965 and the full availability of Ford’s extended CV family has helped deliver these significant Ford light commercial sales and share increases.

However, to underline that Ford’s CV models are a success across the whole range, it should be noted that Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger are all placed in the top three in their respective market segments.

BusinessCar Awards Ford's Fiesta & S-Max two awards, Best MPV & Best Supermini 2015.

Two popular Ford models have been honoured in this year’s BusinessCar Awards – for the eighth consecutive year for the S-MAX.

The stylish and sporty Ford S-MAX tightened its grip on the award for Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle – held since 2008.  Ford Fiesta, the UK’s top-selling car, took BusinessCar’s Supermini of the Year prize.

The only awards decided by fleet managers themselves, the BusinessCar honours are highly prized within the industry and underline Ford’s popularity among fleets.

Ford S-MAX – due to be renewed this Summer – has enjoyed a remarkable run of success both in the annual BusinessCar Awards and combined fleet and retail market, reaching over 82,000 UK registrations since its 2006 debut.

Paul Barker, BusinessCar editor, said:  “Ford’s S-MAX has been a class apart since launch, bringing people-carrying practicality without boxy people-carrying looks. Though this generation is soon to be replaced by an even classier new model, it is going out with a bang and still looks great compared to rivals.”

The Ford Fiesta earned its Best Supermini honour because it is “high on quality as well as quantity”.  Paul Barker added:  “Driving enjoyment, efficiency, good running costs and clever technology all combine to make it a popular choice. Our readers – the people choosing these models for their business – have picked the Fiesta as their favourite mainstream supermini, and that’s testament to the car’s all-round ability.”

Incoming new Ford of Britain fleet director Nick Themistocleous, said:  “The seven-seat coupé that is the Ford S-MAX deserves its superb run of success in the BusinessCar Awards and its 2015 replacement will enjoy an equally positive response from readers.  Ford Fiesta adds another significant accolade to its vast collection of honours.”

Ford enters 2015 knowing it will one of the busiest in its history, lots of new cars and tech to come.

• Ford says 2015 will be one its busiest years ever in terms of new product launches in the UK – broadening the appeal of the Ford brand to more customers
• Ford last year strengthened its UK market lead while recording 38 consecutive years of car sales leadership and 49 years of commercial vehicle leadership on strong demand for its new, all-new and refreshed cars, commercial vehicles and remarkable technologies
• In 2015, all-new Mondeo will be joined by the all-new Ford Galaxy and S-MAX and versatile new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX
• Ford debuts upmarket product and ownership experience this year with the new Ford Vignale Mondeo
• The all-new Ford Mustang will go on in the UK, and with right-hand drive, this year for first time in the iconic vehicle’s 50-year history; new Focus ST and Focus diesel ST also debut
• Ford will extend all-new Mondeo range to include the first Mondeo Hybrid, and models equipped with Intelligent all-wheel drive, and the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost
• Production to start for advanced all-new Ford Edge SUV in late 2015, joins Kuga and EcoSport as Ford continues to leverage global SUV strength

Ford of Britain – which last year strengthened its UK market lead while recording 38 consecutive years of car sales leadership and 49 years of commercial vehicle leadership on strong demand for its new models – said 2015 will be one of the busiest years for new product in the company’s history.

Ford confirmed for the first time that an all-new Ford Galaxy seven-passenger vehicle will go on sale about mid-year. Other new models coming in 2015 include the all-new S-MAX, C‑MAX, Grand C-MAX and Mustang. All-new Edge SUV will go into production in late 2015. 

In addition, Ford will complete the rollout of the all-new Mondeo with variants equipped with Intelligent all-wheel drive, high-powered diesel and petrol engines, and the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost. The new Focus family is also being expanded to include a new Focus ST and Focus diesel ST, followed by refreshed versions of EcoSport and Ranger.

“In 2014, our new passenger cars, commercial vehicles and remarkable technologies helped us outperform the market and increase our market share in Europe,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “In 2015, we’re excited to build on this momentum and reach new customers with everything from larger, more upscale cars and utilities to new performance vehicles to vehicles designed for families of every size. These new vehicles reflect a more emotional and upmarket vision for Ford products in Europe.”

This year Ford expects to launch new or significantly refreshed versions of passenger cars that last year accounted for around 45 per cent of total sales.

Here is a closer look at Ford’s product plans for 2015:

Vignale

Ford will debut its upscale Vignale product and ownership experience in 2015 with the Vignale Mondeo. Vignale will be sold from select FordStores across the UK.

Among bespoke services available to customers who have bought a new Ford Vignale from the FordStores will be collection and delivery for vehicle servicing – from a home address or office location – alongside servicing scheduled to suit the owner. Vignale customers will be able to make all arrangements, and make any Vignale-related enquiries via a single, free telephone number. Vignale vehicles will always be handled with care and, with a premium valet, handed back to owners waxed, cleaned, and vacuumed.

SUVs

Ford’s expansion of its SUV range was led by the introduction of the new Kuga, first revealed in late 2012. Last year, the company introduced the all-new EcoSport compact SUV, combining the practicality and affordability of a small car in a spacious, flexible SUV package.

This year Ford will start production of the all-new Edge, Ford’s most advanced SUV, which will go on sale to European customers for the first time. The company also will introduce enhancements for EcoSport for a fresh, comprehensive range of small, medium and large SUVs.

Ford Performance

A mouth-watering year for performance vehicle enthusiasts includes the arrival of an icon. After more than 50 years, the all-new Ford Mustang will go on sale in the UK for the first time and Fastback and convertible models will be offered equipped with Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, and the latest generation of Ford’s legendary 5.0-litre V8.

In early 2015, Ford will introduce the new Focus ST. Offered as a five-door model, and estate, the new Focus ST will for the first time offer a powerful diesel option – the most fuel‑efficient and lowest CO₂ Ford performance car ever.*

Only last month, Ford confirmed it will be launching an all-new Focus RS. The 30^th RS model produced by Ford since 1967 will be the first to go on sale globally, and is among more than 12 new performance vehicles that Ford is bringing to customers worldwide through 2020.

Family vehicles

The all-new Ford Galaxy that will join Ford’s family vehicle line-up this year, is the fifth generation of one of Europe’s most popular seven-seat family movers.

For families, Ford will deliver a wide spectrum of new models including, in spring, an all-new version of the trail-blazing S-MAX sports activity vehicle. At the same time, the stylish new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles will enhance a MAX family that also includes the B-MAX multi-activity vehicle to ensure the broadest choice of family vehicles in Europe.

All-new Mondeo

Ford will extend the all-new Mondeo range which includes, for the first time, the Mondeo Hybrid Electric Vehicle. There also will be a first Mondeo 1.0-litre EcoBoost, equipped with the engine that achieved an unprecedented third consecutive victory when it was named 2014 International Engine of the Year. Ford will introduce to the line-up Intelligent all-wheel drive, and a new twin-sequential turbocharged 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine.

Remarkable technologies

All-new Mondeo and S-MAX customers will this year be able to specify technologies including:

• Intelligent all-wheel drive, which measures how the car’s tyres are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds, and can adjust power delivery to individual wheels in 100 milliseconds
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings
• Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking technology, which can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars as well as parallel to the road; technology first offered on the new Ford Focus

All-new S-MAX will debut in Europe Ford Adaptive Steering, which continually changes the ratio between the steering and road wheels according to vehicle speed. It also will introduce Front Split View Camera technology to the segment, which makes negotiating junctions or parking spaces with restricted visibility easier through the use of a 180deg camera system installed at the front of the vehicle.

Finally, all of the vehicles being launched in 2015 will feature SYNC 2 – Ford’s connectivity system with advanced voice control and eight-inch colour touchscreen. This enables drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language. Drivers can even bring up a list of local restaurants by using the command: “I’m hungry”.

“Our entire product development team around the world, and especially here in Europe, have been working harder than ever to deliver on the product promises that we have made as part of our revitalisation plan,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “From performance cars that deliver outstanding on-road performance to family vehicles that deliver great quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology, 2015 promises to be one of the most exciting years for Ford of Europe and its customers.”

UK SALES - FORD - The Blue Oval continues to dominate the UK market for nearly four decades.

Ford strengthened its UK market lead in 2014 while recording 38 consecutive years of car sales leadership and 49 years of UK commercial vehicle (CV) sales leadership.  Ford’s sales lead increased in all sectors: total vehicle, cars and commercial vehicles.

Highlights of the official full-year 2014 figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Ford is the number one UK car brand for 38 successive years.
• Ford commercial vehicles have been the UK's favourite for 49 years.
• Ford CV sales and share up in 2014, LCV share up from 10.1 to 18.9 per cent.
• Fiesta is the UK best seller for the sixth successive year.
• Focus is second in total vehicle sales, Transit nameplate sales would be fourth.
• Fiesta sales exceed the total sales of all but five rival car makers.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "Ford’s commitment has been consistently to provide UK customers with the best vehicle range and after-sales support supplied through the strongest dealer network.  Our long-standing market leadership is the reward for delivering on this promise.

“In 2014, Ford extended its sales lead in a fiercely competitive market and launched a number of award-winning vehicles and technologies. In 2015, following the recent launches of the new Focus and Mondeo, we will be strengthening our vehicle range further with new Focus ST, S-MAX, Mustang and Vignale models and providing a transformed customer experience in partnership with our dealers, who invested significantly in their dealerships during 2014, with more planned in 2015."

According to the official SMMT figures, full year car sales in the UK in 2014 were up 9.4 per cent at 2,476,435 registrations, compared with 2013.  Ford sold 326,643 cars in the UK last year, up from 310,865 in 2013.  Ford’s car sales lead in 2014, over its nearest rival, increased by 10 per cent to 57,466.

Ford Fiesta’s total registrations of 131,254 in 2014, up from 121,929 in 2013, made it the UK best-seller by a significant margin.  This sales total would place it seventh in the list of top-selling car manufacturers, meaning that Fiesta on its own outsells the car ranges of all but five of Ford’s rival car makers.

Ford’s broad customer appeal across its car range is demonstrated by Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX, Kuga and Galaxy all being placed in the top three in their respective market segments.

Ford Transit has led the UK CV sector from its launch in 1965 and Ford’s CV range secured a 23.5 per cent share in 2014, up from 20.9 per cent in 2013.  Ford’s CV sales lead of 52,884 in 2014 increased by 27.6 per cent compared with 2013, while Ford’s UK total vehicle 2014 sales lead of 109,075 units was up by 18 per cent compared with 2013.

The full availability of Ford’s extended CV family helped deliver Ford light commercial sales and share increases in 2014 (18,030 and 18.9 per cent versus 9,482 and 10.1 per cent in 2013).  In the new Ford light commercial range, the Ford Transit Courier has quickly taken leadership in its segment, joining the Ford Fiesta Van as further LCV segment leader for Ford.

The December registration figures released by the SMMT show that UK car sales were up by 8.7 per cent at 166,198 units, compared with December 2013.  Ford car sales were 20,509, up from 19,496 in December 2013.

UK commercial vehicle sales in December were down 10.6 per cent at 29,389, compared with December 2013.  Total sales of Ford CVs were up 25.3 per cent at 6,359, compared with December 2013.  Ford light commercials increased sales and share in December, compared with December 2013, up from 437 to 1,827 registrations and from 6.8 to 27.4 per cent, respectively. 

Ford shuts Genk, Belgium facility with the loss of nearly 12,000 jobs.

Ford Motor produced the last car at its plant in Genk, Belgium, today, closing the site which produced some 14 million vehicles over the past 50 years.

The company decided in late 2012 to shut the factory, which employed about 4,000 people, and relocate production of the Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy models to Valencia, Spain.

"It seems so unreal. I think I'll only notice after the holidays. It's winter time, you're at home and have no idea what to do. That's when it will hit," said 60-year-old Rudi Beys on his way to one of his final shifts, adding he felt too young to retire.According to a study carried out by the nearby University of Hasselt, the closure of the plant will cost some 11,800 jobs in the greater region, as suppliers to Ford also have to make cuts.

The final car to roll off the production line on Thursday was set to be a white Galaxy van, which will be emblazoned with the signatures of factory staff and will be donated to a charity.

The final shift ended at 2 p.m. local time. The company will keep a few hundred of its staff over the coming months to dismantle assembly lines.

Following the Genk closure and that of an Opel factory in Antwerp in 2010, Belgium now has just two vehicle assembly plants: Audi in Brussels and Volvo Cars in Ghent.

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