Ford could sell the Focus plant to BYD

Increasingly Chinese automakers are entering the European market. Expansion plans that could include, in the future, also the production of the cars in the Old Continent. There is one of the Chinese manufacturers with more ambitious growth plans for the European market BYD which recently announced the launch of the marketing of some of its electric models in a number of countries of the Old Continent.

Now, it seems that BYD can take its strategy one step further by betting to the purchase of a factory in Europe. In fact, a Wall Street Journal report claims that the Chinese manufacturer would have targeted it Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany.

In this factory, Ford will end production of the Focus in 2025. The future of this plant is not yet clear and for some time there has been talk of its possible sale. In this way, the future of the 4,600 workers currently employed on the site could be safeguarded.

Apparently, the house of the blue oval would be considering the interest of about 15 potential investors, including some automakers. Among these there would be BYD. In the past there had already been talk of the possibility that the Chinese brand could decide to produce its cars in Europe as well. According to the report, Ford executives plan to travel to China shortly to discuss the potential deal with officials at the Chinese automaker. The talks would still be in a preliminary stage and it is not certain that the two car manufacturers will be able to reach an agreement.

More details on the fate of the Ford plant are sure to come soon. In fact, a decision could already be made in the next few months.

The sale of the Saarlouis plant in Germany is part of a reorganization plan by Ford in the Old Continent. A plan that will gradually lead it to become an electric-only brand. For BYD that already builds electric buses in Hungary, the possible purchase of the factory could represent an important acceleration of its growth strategy in the auto sector in the Old Continent.

Among the other companies in the automotive sector with which Ford would be in dialogue there is also Magna Internationala well-known contract manufacturer that builds models for automakers such as BMW, Mercedes and Fisker.