Ford starts series production of the Capri

Ford has started series production of the new all-electric Capri in Cologne. Along with the Explorer, two electric models are now rolling off the production line in Germany -and they urgently need to be a success.

Image: Ford

The information does not come from an official manufacturer announcement but from statements made by Works Council Chairman Benjamin Gruschka to the Cologne media. “This is an important milestone for the Cologne plant and its employees in what are generally difficult times in the industry,” Gruschka is quoted as saying in the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. After the Explorer, the Capri is Ford’s second European electric model to be produced in Cologne. Both models are based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.

While the Explorer’s official production launch in early June was accompanied by a major media event at the Cologne plant, at which the facilities and new buildings were presented to journalists in detail, it is surprising that the Capri’s SoP (Start of Production) is not even worthy of a separate press release from Ford. According to Gruschka, the SoP already took place on Monday, 23 September – the most recent press release from Ford Germany dates back to 18 September, when this article was published.

A few weeks after the SoP of the Explorer, Ford presented the Capri in July as an electric SUV coupé on the same technical basis. With its flatter roofline, the Capri is slightly longer than the Explorer (4.63 metres); otherwise, they are very similar. In addition, both electric Fords from Cologne are currently only available with the large battery; the smaller battery will be available to order from the end of 2024. According to Gruschka, the Explorer is “getting off to a much better start than we expected,” and the Capri has also been very well received so far. However, there are no reliable figures yet.

Standard Range RWDExtended Range RWDExtended Range AWD
DriveRWDRWDAWD
Output125 kW210 kW250 kW
Torque310 Nm545 Nm134+545 Nm
Acceleration6.4 s5.3 s
Top Speed180 kph180 kph180 kph
WLTP range627 km592 km
Battery52 kWh77 kWh79 kWh
Charging capacity DC145 kW135 kW185 kW
Charging time DC 10-80%25 min28 min26 min
Price (in Germany)44,950 euros51,950 euros55,950 euros

Production in Cologne is designed for 250,000 units per year. According to the reports, it is currently being ramped up. From October, more than 600 vehicles will be produced per day in two-shift operation. Ford employs around 13,000 people in Cologne. As Ford only builds electric cars at the German plant, the Explorer and Capri must sell to secure the site’s future and its employees – according to reports, 200,000 units per year would be necessary. Company-related redundancies are officially ruled out at Ford until the end of 2032.

Ford Germany is also in a state of transition. Once brought in from Audi as a beacon of hope, Managing Director Martin Sander left Ford for Wolfsburg in June. As a result, the Ford headquarters in Dearborn decided to reduce the German management team from ten to four people. This led to further departures in top management, such as that of Labour Director Rainer Ludwig. The new management team consists of Christian Weingärtner (Sales) and Rene Wolf (Production), who were both already part of the management team, as well as new additions Dave Johnston (Finance) and Marcus Wasserberg (Labour Director). According to the Kölnische Rundschau, Wasserberg, who was born in North Rhine-Westphalia, is regarded as a restructuring specialist. However, this also means that Ford no longer has an official Chairman of the Board, i.e. in colloquial terms, a German boss.

rundschau-online.de, ksta.de (both in German)

1 Comment

about „Ford starts series production of the Capri“
Karol
26.09.2024 um 08:28
Well, releasing 2020 model in 2024 they will have to start with heavy discounts.. bit too late to the party, thou

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