Ford to manufacture multi-energy vehicle at European plant

Ford Motor Co. will manufacture a new "multi-energy passenger vehicle" at its Valencia Body and Assembly Plant in Spain for European sales, the automaker confirmed Thursday.

The launch is subject to formal approval. Although Ford says it plans to align with regulations and have its European lineup be fully electric by 2035, countries across the pond also are seeing slowing growth in all-electric vehicle sales because of affordability and access to charging infrastructure. A multi-energy platform could provide the automaker more flexibility based on demand.

"We are closely monitoring the evolution of the European markets for opportunities to enhance our current product offering," according to a statement sent by spokesperson Cristina del Rey. "Given the changes we see in the industry, we believe there is an opportunity to add an all-new multi-energy SUV to the Europe cycle plan, to be manufactured in Valencia."

An earlier statement that had mentioned the vehicle was to be an SUV was corrected to passenger vehicle. The Dearborn automaker isn't specifying the type of vehicle at this time, del Rey confirmed.

Spanish newspaper Cinco Dias first reported that Ford was looking at producing a passenger car at the Almufasses plant. It employs 4,800 people and makes the Ford Kuga after other models were cut in recent years.

The plans come as Ford is launching an electric Explorer in Europe, its first European-built electric passenger vehicle.

bnoble@detroitnews.com

@BreanaCNoble