Ford of Europe is on the cusp of a major transformation that will see it cease to operate as a standalone region next year and transition its entire passenger car lineup to EVs by 2030 or sooner with seven new all-electric models set to launch by 2024. Couple those major changes with the ongoing chip shortage and the automaker’s upcoming reorganization that will split it into two distinct entities – Ford Model e for EVs and Ford Blue for ICE vehicles, and it’s safe to say that Martin Sander – the new general manager of Ford Model e in Europe – has his work cut out for him.
Today, Sander officially begins that mission. As the general manager of Model e, he will lead not only the delivery of electric vehicles, but also software development and connected vehicle technologies and services. Sander will be based in Cologne, Germany, the location of Ford’s European Model e headquarters and Ford of Germany.
The automaker recently invested $2 billion into its Cologne Assembly plant to transform it into the Cologne Electrification Center, where, starting next year, it will produce Ford’s first volume all-electric passenger vehicle for Europe. Ford is investing a total $50 billion in EVs globally by 2026 as it aims to produce two million all-electric vehicles annually by that same date. In Europe, the automaker will have a total of nine EVs on sale by 2024, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford E-Transit, E-Transit Custom, Puma EV, two crossovers built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, and three additional all-electric Transit models that haven’t been revealed yet.
“We will develop iconic, fully electrified and connected vehicles for our customers and create a digital sales experience,” said Stuart Rowley, Chair, Ford of Europe and Chief Transformation & Quality Officer, Ford Motor Company. “Martin Sander is a very experienced leader. He and his team will lead and accelerate the implementation of these plans.”
We’ll have more on Ford’s electric transition soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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