Ford is expected to face a decline in global vehicle production over the next few years, despite plans to expand its electric vehicle line-up and develop the Bronco into a much broader model family.

The automaker built approximately 4.06 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, with around half manufactured in the United States.

Ford’s annual global production is expected to fall before stabilising at approximately 3.76 million vehicles a year between 2026 and 2028.

The end of production for the Ford Escape, Lincoln Corsair and Ford Focus, combined with declining output at its Changan Ford joint venture in China, will contribute to the slowdown.

US Production Expected to Recover by 2030

Ford’s US vehicle production is forecast to fall to around 1.88 million units in 2027 before recovering to approximately 2.11 million by 2030.

Planned new models are expected to support that growth, including the Fathom electric pickup, an all-electric Escape, a four-door Mustang and additional Bronco-family vehicles.

The Bronco range is set for particularly significant expansion. By 2029-30, it is expected to include the Bronco, Bronco Sport, China-only Bronco New Energy, a European Bronco, a Bronco pickup and a Lincoln model based on the off-roader.

This growing portfolio could give Bronco enough market presence to become a standalone sub-brand, following the approach taken by Jeep under Stellantis.

Ford’s Cologne Plant Faces an Uncertain Future

Europe presents a major manufacturing challenge. Ford’s Cologne factory is forecast to produce fewer than 30,000 vehicles annually, despite having capacity for approximately 250,000.

The significant gap between production and capacity raises questions about the site’s long-term viability, with closure, a sale or a manufacturing partnership all possible options.

Overall, Ford’s production strategy is entering a period of major change. New electric vehicles and an expanding Bronco family could support future growth, but the company must also address falling output and excess manufacturing capacity across its global operations.