Habeck: Ford must present future plans for Saarlouis

Created: 06/22/2022, 16:07

Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens).

© Sebastian Iwersen/dpa/archive image

Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) sees the car manufacturer Ford as responsible for the location after the decision against Saarlouis.

"I expect Ford, together with the works council, to put concrete plans for the future of the Saarlouis plant and its employees on the table in a timely manner," Habeck told the German Press Agency in Berlin on Wednesday.

Berlin - For the many employees of Ford and for the entire affected region, it is now important that there is clarity as quickly as possible about a concrete and resilient perspective for the Saarlouis location, according to Habeck.

"Ford has a special responsibility here as the owner of the plant, as an employer and as a major automobile manufacturer in Germany, Europe's largest automobile market."

The US car manufacturer Ford decided against an investment package at its plant in Saarlouis, Saarland.

Instead, an electric car platform - also called "architecture" - is to be built in Valencia, Spain.

"I very much regret Ford's decision," said Habeck.

"The plant in Saarlouis, the workforce of Ford Germany and the state government in Saarland, in coordination with the federal government, have submitted a substantial and very attractive offer to Ford in an extraordinary, joint effort." Therefore, the decision against Saarlouis is for the region and the people a big disappointment there.

dpa