发出千人失业预警，福特欧洲电动大撤退

Core Viewpoint - Ford is restructuring its operations in Europe, particularly in its Cologne electric vehicle plant, due to lower-than-expected demand for electric vehicles, leading to a shift from a two-shift to a single-shift operation and potential layoffs of up to 1,000 employees [3][6][10] Group 1: Restructuring and Workforce Adjustments - Starting January 2025, Ford will reduce the Cologne plant's operations to a single shift, with plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs primarily through voluntary departures and buyouts [3][6] - This decision is part of a broader restructuring plan initiated in late 2024, aiming to optimize approximately 4,000 positions in Europe by 2027, with Germany and the UK being the most affected regions [3][8] - Ford attributes the layoffs to weak electric vehicle demand, necessitating adjustments in production capacity and workforce [3][10] Group 2: Market Conditions and Strategic Shifts - The Cologne plant was initially seen as a model for Ford's electric vehicle strategy in Europe, having received around $2 billion in investments for its transformation into an electric vehicle hub [7][12] - However, the actual sales figures have fallen short of expectations, influenced by insufficient charging infrastructure and a lack of government incentives [6][13] - Ford's earlier commitment to exclusively sell electric vehicles in Europe by 2030 has shifted to a more flexible approach, allowing for a mix of fuel and hybrid models based on market demand [18][19] Group 3: Product Line Adjustments - Ford continues to sell the Mustang Mach-E, which targets brand and performance, while introducing new models like the Puma Gen-E to cater to entry-level price points [14][18] - The company has also localized battery pack assembly in Cologne to enhance logistics and quality stability [12][19] - Despite an overall increase in electric vehicle registrations in the EU, Ford's individual performance has been impacted by market dynamics, leading to a reassessment of production schedules [17][19]