Ford announced its plans to end production at a major production plant in Genk, Belgium, by the end of 2014, pending the outcome of a consultation process with employee representatives. If the plan is confirmed, Ford would resource several vehicles to more fully utilise its European plants.

The plan would help to address manufacturing overcapacity stemming from a more than 20 percent drop in total industry vehicle demand in Western Europe since 2007. New vehicle sales in the region have reached a nearly 20-year low this year and are expected to remain flat or fall further next year.

‘The proposed restructuring of our European manufacturing operations is a fundamental part of our plan to strengthen Ford’s business in Europe and to return to profitable growth,’ said Stephen Odell, chairman and chief executive, Ford of Europe.

‘We understand the impact this potential action would have on our work force in Genk, their families, our suppliers and the local communities. We fully recognise and accept our social responsibilities in this difficult situation and, if the restructuring plan is confirmed, we will ensure that we put in place measures and support to lessen the impact for all employees affected,’ he added.

The proposed plan includes the following:

Ford has initiated an information and consultation process with representatives of employees regarding the company’s intention to close Ford’s underutilised Genk Plant and cease vehicle production by the end of 2014 with the reduction of approximately 4,300 positions

If the proposed plan is confirmed, production of the next-generation Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy could move to Ford’s assembly plant in Valencia, Spain

Pending further study, production of the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX compact multi-purpose vehicles could move from Valencia to Saarlouis, Germany, in 2014 under the proposed plan

Ford also announced today that it will provide more details of its overall transformation plan for Europe during an analyst and media call on Thursday, Oct. 25. Participants will be Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks and Stephen Odell.