Ford Shifts Bronco Production to Valencia and Launches New Models for Europe. Ford has announced plans to launch seven new models in Europe by 2029. Production of the Bronco will begin in Valencia in 2028. The company is focusing on hybrid technologies and commercial vehicles.
Ford has announced a major update to its European lineup: by 2029, seven new models will be launched, including the Bronco, which will begin production in Valencia in 2028. This decision was key for the Almussafes plant, where production is currently at a minimum—last year, fewer than 100,000 Kuga vehicles were produced, which is significantly below pre-crisis levels. Before the pandemic, the plant produced more than 345,000 vehicles of various models annually.
The start of Bronco production has been postponed by a year from the original plans due to the need to adapt the plant for multi-energy model assembly. The new Bronco will be the first such vehicle for Ford's Spanish facility, which is expected to support plant operations. Since late 2024, the plant has been operating on RED rotational employment mechanisms due to a lack of orders.
In addition to the Bronco, Ford will introduce six more models in Europe. Two electric vehicles on the R5 platform will be produced at Renault's facilities in France. One of these is a B-segment hatchback, which may become the successor to the Fiesta, and the other is a compact SUV. The plans also include two crossovers with multi-energy powertrains. This approach reflects Ford's new strategy: the company is abandoning the course toward 100% electric vehicles to maintain its position in the traditional engine market and reduce losses, which last year exceeded 7 billion euros.
Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick emphasized that the Bronco is aimed at European customers seeking unique offerings amid growing competition from Chinese brands. He also called on European authorities to adopt a more flexible approach to transport decarbonization, noting the importance of hybrid technologies and electric vehicles with extended range.
Ford continues to develop its commercial segment, Ford Pro. Recently, the company presented the Ranger Super Duty—a heavy pickup with a payload capacity of up to eight tons, targeting the needs of emergency services, the military, and industry. According to management, demand for such vehicles among European governments and defense contractors is rising. At the end of the year, the new electric Transit City will enter the urban transport market. Ford is betting on software subscriptions for commercial vehicles: in the first quarter of 2026, their number grew by 30%, reaching 879,000 worldwide. The company expects that a quarter of the division's profits will come from software.
In the context of changes in the region's industry, it is worth noting that restrictions on the acceptance of hazardous waste in Andalusia have already affected the operations of Valencia enterprises, as previously reported in material about the redistribution of flows between plants. amid new regulations in Andalusia.
For reference: the Ford plant in Almussafes is one of the largest automotive manufacturing centers in Spain, opened in 1976. In recent years, the facility has faced a reduction in its model range and decreased production volumes. The decision to launch the Bronco and new models could be key to preserving jobs and maintaining capacity in the region. The shift to multi-energy platforms reflects the general trend in the European automotive industry towards hybridization and seeking a balance between environmental requirements and market demand.
