Ford Decides to Shut Down French Transmission Plant

Following last year’s reconsideration of the strategic plans of the Ford concern in North America, now the company wants to optimize its activity in Europe. After a detailed analysis, the F ord officials came to conclusion that it is necessary to reduce the number of production facilities in Europe.

Last year, the European branch of Ford, which employs nearly 54 thousand specialists, suffered losses of hundreds millions of euro (exact numbers will be announced later), and the brand share on the European market has decreased by a quarter (to about 6.5%) since 2010. Therefore, Ford decided to drastically reduce the range of car models produced in Europe. But particular attention was drawn by a scandalous shutdown of the transmission plant in France.

Automatic transmission 6F35 produced at FAI

Ford will end production at Ford Aquitaine Industries (FAI) in the summer of 2019 after rejecting a bid for the plant from the other company. This step incurred displeasure not only among the plant workers, but also outraged the French government. Bruno Le Maire, the finance minister of France, said that Ford betrayed all FAI workers. The government official assumes that the American company resorted to this measure to increase its share price.

Learn more about Punch Powerglide

The thing is that Ford announced its intentions regarding the gearbox production plant six months ago, but the American auto giant assured FAI workers that the plant will be sold to another owner and they won’t lose their jobs. But not so long ago, Ford declined the offer made by Punch Powerglide and made it clear that the plant will be closed.

Due to the volatile political situation and numerous public protests in France, the loss of more than eight hundred jobs in FAI may become a serious issue for the French government. Le Maire asked Ford to reconsider its decision.