The Cologne region has long been an important vehicle manufacturing center but is now also home to innovative sustainable mobility. Cologne's rich automotive tradition began with the invention of the legendary Otto engine in 1876. Today, the metropolis on the Rhine is home to numerous automobile manufacturers, including Ford, Renault, Toyota and Volvo. A third of Germany’s automotive suppliers are also based in Cologne.
Car city Cologne
Charged up and ready for electric.
Ford Cologne: Europe’s No. 1 for the production of e-cars
With Cologne home to its European headquarters and a 11,500 strong workforce, Ford is not only one of the city's largest employers, but also a leading light in the e-mobility offensive. Cologne is also the first Ford plant in Europe to be commissioned to manufacture electric vehicles.
To this end, Ford is investing two billion euros in converting the plant on the banks of the Rhine. From 2023, the first electric cars will roll off the production line. A second model is already in the pipeline.
Forward with future technologies
Aside from converting Cologne’s Ford facility into a dedicated plant for electric vehicles, Cologne is benefiting from other forward-looking investments in the automotive industry:
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The Japanese-Italian supplier Marelli is now producing electric vehicle drives at Cologne’s Ford facility.
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Following the successful pilot project by Cologne-based engine manufacturer Deutz and RheinEnergie in 2022, series production of the TCG 7.8 H2 hydrogen combustion engine started in 2024.
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Renault has relocated its German headquarters to Cologne following a national competition to identify a new site. In addition to the fully electric models currently on the market, Renault is planning to launch three more fully electric models in 2025. One of these will be a low-cost variant for under €20,000, which is being developed by Renault's subsidiary Ampere.