Magna Worldwide and contract producer VDL Nedcar are curious about taking on Ford Motor Co.‘s automobile plant in Saarlouis, Germany, in line with sources aware of the discussions.

The 2 firms be part of China’s BYD in exhibiting curiosity within the manufacturing facility, which may have no new mannequin when Ford ends manufacturing of its Focus compact automobile there in 2025.

The plant’s future has been unclear since final June when Ford picked its manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain, to construct its next-generation electrical autos for Europe as an alternative of Saarlouis.

Canada’s Magna and VDL Nedcar, based mostly within the Netherlands, are contemplating bidding for the Saarlouis plant, sources aware of the talks advised Automotive Information sister publication Automobilwoche.

Magna builds BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Toyota and Fisker automobiles at its Magna Steyr manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria.

VDL Nedcar builds the X1 and Mini model automobiles for BMW Group.

The acquisition of Saarlouis by a contract producer may very well be a promising answer for its future, sources mentioned. Magna or Nedcar may use the plant to construct combustion engine automobiles with none main conversion works.

If BYD takes over the manufacturing facility, in depth modifications would must be made to transform its manufacturing capability to EVs.

Saarlouis workers would welcome any new investor for the plant, which employs 4,500 individuals.

“It’s of secondary significance which continent a doable investor comes from — if a carmaker comes, that is what we want to see, as a result of it is what we do,” works council chief Markus Thal advised Reuters.

BYD, the world’s largest vendor of battery-electric automobiles and plug-in hybrids, is focusing on Europe’s rising EV marketplace for enlargement.

It has launched gross sales of three Chinese language-made automobiles in chosen European markets together with the UK and Norway and has mentioned it’s seeking to produce electrical automobiles in Europe.

The Wall Road Journal reported on Tuesday that Ford officers have been travelling to China subsequent week to go to BYD to debate promoting the Saarlouis website to the EV maker.

Ford is reported to be speaking to fifteen firms and goals to current an answer for the manufacturing facility’s future by the top of March or starting of April.