Since the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement was signed in 2020, Ford has invested heavily in electric vehicles across Europe. Ford’s drive to a fully electric future is spearheaded by more than £1.6 billion being invested in passenger vehicles to be built in Cologne, Germany. A further £380 million is growing e-motor capacity at Halewood, Merseyside.
Today the industry does not have sufficient supply of locally-sourced batteries and components to meet demand. Tightening the trade rules at this point risks undermining the switch to EVs with tariffs and adding pointless cost to customers wanting to go green. Manufacturers who have invested heavily early in the transition will be hardest hit by tariffs because combustion engine vehicles will continue to move tariff-free.
Ford has long supported the UK government’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, prescribing the proportion of EV car and van sales from 2024. Introducing EV tariffs at the same time will undermine the mandate and slow the growing EV trend. Ford is calling for current trade requirements to be extended to 2027, to allow time for the battery supply chain to develop in Europe and to meet EV demand. Tariffs will hit both UK- and EU-based manufacturers, so it is vital that the UK and EU come to the table to agree a solution.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 173,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
