Ford has assigned separate leaders to its European passenger-vehicle strategy and sales operations as it works to rebuild its passenger-car business. Christian Weingärtner took charge of passenger-vehicle strategy and execution on February 1, 2026; Maria Grazia Davino is due to lead European sales and commercial operations from October 1, 2026. The appointments support a broader plan involving Ford Pro, new passenger vehicles, partnerships and cost efficiency—not a claim that leadership changes alone will solve Ford’s challenges.
Who leads Ford’s European passenger-car business?
Ford’s announced organization separates responsibility for passenger-vehicle strategy from responsibility for selling and distributing vehicles. The two executives have distinct remits; Davino is not described as Weingärtner’s replacement.
| Executive | Role and effective date | Remit | Reporting line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Weingärtner | General Manager, Passenger Vehicles, Ford Europe; effective February 1, 2026 | Passenger-vehicle strategy and operational execution, including the introduction of a new generation of affordable multi-energy vehicles; also leads Ford Europe’s strategy team and a newly created partnership team. Ford announcement | Not stated in the cited announcement. |
| Maria Grazia Davino | Vice President, Sales, Ford of Europe; effective October 1, 2026 | European sales and commercial operations, including retail, the dealer network and distribution. Ford announcement distributed by PR Newswire | Reports to Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick. Ford announcement distributed by PR Newswire |
Ford said Weingärtner previously served as its European vice president for Business Transformation and helped shape future strategy and partnership projects. It said Davino most recently led BYD Europe operations in several markets and previously held senior roles at Stellantis. Ford on Weingärtner Ford on Davino
Why is Ford changing its European strategy?
Ford has cited passenger-car losses, disruption from electrification, new competition and electric-car demand below its expectations as pressures on its European passenger-vehicle business. Those are Ford’s explanations, not an independently measured account of the whole European EV market. The cited announcements do not provide a current independent market-share figure to quantify the demand issue.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Pullback Action: Experience realistic racing with the pullback action feature.
- Opening Doors: Explore the intricate interior details with the opening door feature.
- 1:38 Scale: Enjoy a detailed 1:38 scale die-cast model (approx. 5 inches long).
- Authentic Design: Modeled after the iconic 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.
- Display Piece: A must-have collectible for car enthusiasts and model collectors.
In November 2024, Ford said it planned to reduce its European workforce by 4,000 positions by the end of 2027, subject to consultation with European social partners. It said the planned reductions would primarily affect Germany and also the UK. Ford linked its restructuring to significant passenger-vehicle losses in recent years and disruption from electrification and new competition. It also said lower-than-expected electric-car demand led it to adjust production for the Explorer and Capri and schedule additional short-time working at Cologne in the first quarter of 2025. The announcement described a plan; it does not establish that all proposed reductions have since been completed. Ford’s November 2024 announcement
Ford’s broader strategy pairs its commercial-vehicle business, Ford Pro, with a renewed passenger-car range and efforts to improve industrial scale and cost efficiency. In December 2025, Ford announced a strategic partnership with Renault Group, describing it as a way to combine industrial scale with Ford design for affordable electric vehicles. Ford said a new generation of multi-energy vehicles would arrive from 2028. Ford’s December 2025 announcement
Rank #2
- A PERENNIAL CLASSIC FOR EXPERIENCED MODELERS: AMT’s 1/25 scale 1967 Shelby GT-350 is the perfect project for muscle car builders. Add it to your collection today!
- FEATURE PACKED: The 1967 Shelby GT-350 is a historical muscle car that stands alone! Fully paintable, it features authentically detailed water-slide decals. Build it up right with a Ford 289 V8 engine and all the Shelby touches—custom rear lower pan, chrome wheels, custom taillights and front grille, bucket seats, and more. Wrapped up nicely in retro-styled packaging!
- QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale, 123 Parts, 7 inches long once assembled. Parts molded in white, clear and transparent red, with black vinyl tires. Some parts are chrome plated. Plastic model kit paint and cement required (Testors or Tamiya brands recommended). Paint guide included in kit. Skill Level 2. For ages 10+
- THE PERFECT PRESENT: Don't know what to get dad for his birthday? Or maybe you have an avid hobbyist or collector in your life. This model kit makes an ideal gift for any occasion!
What vehicles has Ford said it plans to build in Europe?
In May 2026, Ford said it planned five all-new passenger vehicles made in Europe for Europe by the end of 2029:
- A compact multi-energy SUV in the Bronco family
- A small electric hatchback
- A fully electric small SUV
- Two multi-energy crossovers
Ford also described plans for Ford Pro software and connected services. The five vehicles are a forward-looking company plan, not confirmation that each model has launched or that its final specifications and timing are settled. Ford’s May 2026 announcement
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Authentic Ford Design: Each model kit accurately captures the signature style and details of iconic Ford vehicles.
- Precision-Molded Parts: High-quality, finely molded components ensure a realistic and detailed build.
- Customizable Features: Includes decals and optional parts for a personalized, unique build.
- Ideal for Hobbyists: Perfect for model builders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced collectors.
- Display-Ready Models: Create a stunning Ford model that’s ready to showcase in your collection or as a standout display piece.
What the appointments mean—and what they do not
Weingärtner’s role puts passenger-vehicle strategy and execution under a named leader, while Davino’s role covers the commercial work of retail, dealers and distribution. Together, those responsibilities align with Ford’s stated effort to develop a new lineup and strengthen its route to market. The announcements do not establish that either appointment will reverse losses, resolve EV-demand challenges or guarantee the planned products’ success.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Revell Model Kit #14548, Skill Level 5, Contains 197-Parts, Recommended for ages 13 and up
- Newly tooled street machine parts include large-diameter custom wheels, a custom tube grille, smooth bumpers, and a selection of period-perfect chrome engine dress-up parts.
- The highly detailed 312-cube V-8 can be built three ways. Options include single or dual carbs, along with the factory’s rare Thunderbird Special supercharger set up.
- Builder’s choice of stock or lowered suspension. All-new decal sheet with factory-correct details. Intricately detailed chassis includes a separately molded frame.
- Molded in white, transparent red and clear with chrome plated parts and soft black tires. Paint and glue required(not included).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
