Ford’s almussafes plant turns 50 amid challenges and a multi-energy suv’s promise

Ford’s Almussafes plant in Spain is celebrating its 50th anniversary this October, but the road ahead isn’t without its bumps. As the Automotive industry navigates a global slowdown, this historic facility—one of Spain’s most critical manufacturing hubs—faces uncertainty before a potential turnaround with a multi-energy SUV slated for 2027.

Spain: europe’s second-largest automotive hub

Spain stands as a global Automotive powerhouse, ranking as the second-largest manufacturer in Europe and the eighth worldwide. In 2025, Spanish plants produced over 2.27 million vehicles, a 4.3% decline from 2024—a trend mirrored globally as manufacturers adjust to reduced demand and excess inventory.

A decade of decline at ford almussafes

Ford’s Almussafes plant has seen a steep drop in production, plummeting from 233,000 vehicles in 2022 to just 98,500 in 2025—an 18% decrease, the worst full-year performance in its history. The closure of the Ford Transit production line, after 11 million units, was a major blow. Motor production also fell sharply by 36.7%, from 269,300 in 2024 to 170,365 in 2025.

From five models to one: the kuga’s struggle

Once producing five vehicle models, Almussafes now focuses solely on the Ford Kuga, a single model that—while resilient—lacks innovation. Carlos Faubel, president of the plant’s workers’ committee, notes: “We’ve gone from five models to one, and it’s not even a new one.” The shift has led to a partial ERTE (temporary employment reduction), affecting nearly1,000 workers since 2023.

2026 Forecast: more cuts ahead?

Ford’s 2026 production target is set at 90,000 vehicles, an 8.6% drop from 2025. Industry analysts warn this decline reflects broader challenges: electrification costs, shifting consumer preferences, and global supply chain disruptions. Spain’s Automotive sector, though resilient, is not immune to these pressures.

The redemption arc: a multi-energy suv in 2027

Hope looms on the horizon. Ford has confirmed a new multi-energy SUV will debut in 2027, a project that could revitalize Almussafes. While details remain scarce, the announcement has sparked cautious optimism. Faubel emphasizes: “When this SUV arrives, the plant will need to evolve—this could be our second chance.”

Leadership change and worker hope

In early 2026, Jim Baumbick, Ford Europe’s new president, will visit Almussafes. His arrival coincides with growing worker optimism after years of uncertainty. The RED mechanism—a temporary employment support program—has so far protected 5,000+ jobs, including those at Ford Valencia and its suppliers. Yet, the plant’s future hinges on whether the 2027 SUV can reignite demand.

Key data: almussafes’ production decline

Ford Almussafes’ legacy is intertwined with Spain’s Automotive success, but its path forward depends on innovation, workforce adaptability, and the arrival of its next-generation SUV. For now, the plant stands at a crossroads—a moment of reflection before renewal.