Spain will begin producing a new multienergy Bronco SUV at the Ford plant in Almussafes starting in 2028 [2].
This decision marks a significant shift in Ford's European operations as the company pivots toward multienergy platforms to maintain competitiveness in a transitioning automotive market. The investment secures the future of the Valencia-based facility and aligns with broader industrial goals for the region.
President Pedro Sánchez and Jim Baumbick, president of Ford Europe, visited the manufacturing plant on April 23, 2026 [1]. The visit served as the platform for a major corporate announcement regarding the company's strategic transformation across Europe [1].
The new Bronco SUV is described as a multienergy vehicle, allowing for various powertrain options to meet differing consumer demands. Production is scheduled to commence in 2028 [2]. This move is positioned as a key step in the evolution of Ford's manufacturing footprint in the region.
During the visit, Baumbick highlighted the importance of the Spanish facility to the company's global goals. He said the plant is "desempeñando un papel fundamental en la transformación de Ford Europa" — playing a fundamental role in the transformation of Ford Europe [1].
The announcement comes as Ford seeks to balance its traditional internal combustion legacy with the rapid rise of electric vehicles. By opting for a multienergy approach for the Bronco, the company aims to hedge against fluctuating energy infrastructure and consumer adoption rates across different European markets.
Sánchez said the importance of maintaining industrial strength in Valencia is key. The collaboration between the Spanish government and the U.S. automaker is intended to ensure long-term employment, and technological advancement within the local workforce [1].
“Spain will begin producing a new multienergy Bronco SUV at the Ford plant in Almussafes starting in 2028.”
Ford's commitment to the Almussafes plant through 2028 indicates a strategic hedge against a total immediate shift to battery electric vehicles. By introducing a 'multienergy' Bronco, Ford is utilizing a flexible manufacturing strategy that allows it to pivot production based on real-time market demand for hybrid, electric, or combustion engines, thereby reducing the financial risk of stranded assets in its European factories.
