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Ford Motor Company is leveraging the expertise of a seasoned European automotive executive familiar with the overseas expansion strategies of Chinese automakers to reverse its continued sales decline in the region. According to official sources, Maria Grazia Davino, former Regional Director for Europe at BYD and former executive at Stellantis, will assume the role of Vice President of Sales for Ford Europe, effective October 1, 2026.

Davino will be fully responsible for Ford 's retail system, dealer network, and distribution operations in Europe , reporting to Jim Baumbek . She will work at Ford's European headquarters in Cologne, Germany, with a core task of reversing the current sales slump.

Data shows that in the first six months of 2026, Ford's sales in the EU , EFTA, and UK markets declined by 15% year-on-year, with only 192,373 vehicles sold. Meanwhile, traditional automakers are generally facing the dual challenges of weak demand and pressure to transform into electric vehicles—a situation that Davino has been deeply involved in: she joined BYD Europe in 2024 as Regional Director for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Nordic countries, leading BYD's channel development and market entry strategies in these countries.

Ford's current European strategy focuses on two pillars: first, the high-margin commercial vehicle business unit, Ford Pro, which maintains a leading position in the European van market; and second, restarting its passenger car offensive—planning to launch five new , including the rugged off-road vehicle developed specifically for Europe , and a compact crossover jointly developed with Geely (both produced at the Valencia plant in Spain); in addition, it will introduce a small all-electric hatchback and derivative SUV manufactured by Renault.

Baumbek commented, "Maria Grazia is an accomplished leader with a deep background in the European automotive industry ." He specifically mentioned her track record in building high-performing teams and maintaining customer and dealer relationships. Davino thanked BYD executives Li Ying and Alfredo Altavira and the European team on LinkedIn , describing his new role as "a brand new adventure."