A Tale of Two Halves

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year unlike any we have experienced. The Covid-19 pandemic has created a year of challenges and change.

The year has taken its toll on many of us, and we have endured hardships and tragedies and had to adapt as best we can. It has been wonderful to see the support that medical and frontline workers have received during this testing time. 

I’m proud of the way our employees have responded during this time of crisis. The VentilatorChallengeUK saw us turn an empty warehouse into a production line to make key components for the 15,000 ventilators produced during the challenge. We started producing our own facemasks for our employees across Europe, and the COVID-19 Donation Match programme supported the relief efforts of 47 community organisations in 20 countries.

Our employees also stepped up and responded to new ways of working, adapting to home offices and closely following the hygiene measures at our plants to ensure the company continues to move forward and vehicles roll off the production line. 

This significant shift to remote working and home schooling could have a lasting impact on how we work, where we choose to live and how we get around – in a way that no one predicted twelve months ago.

For our customers, as many countries went into lockdowns earlier this year, we introduced “No Touch” service that ensures cars and vans are thoroughly sanitised before being returned after repairs and servicing. 

 As people put the focus on health and wellness, and seek the mobility solution that’s right for them, we’ve seen growing interest in electrified vehicles. This couldn’t come at a better time. 2020 and the Covid-19 crisis may well mark the moment in our history where electrified mobility begins on a mass scale. 

Our Go Electric roadshow, which showcased the new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E, helped to de-mystify electrification and demonstrated the benefits of the different types of electrified powertrains available. From a hybrid Fiesta up to an all-electric Transit, Ford is offering an electrified solution for everyone. And the range will continue to grow, with 17 more electrified vehicles coming by the end of 2021. 

A Tale of Two HalvesA time of crisis provides the impetus for us take stock of what is important and to be grateful for all that we have. I wish everyone and your families a safe, happy and healthy Christmas, and a bright start to the new year.