Billed as the next significant step in its global transformation, Ford Motor Company has named Martin Sander general manager, Ford Model e for Ford in Europe. Sander has also been appointed Chair of the Management Board of Ford-Werke GmbH in Germany.

In his new role, Sanford leads delivery of electric vehicles as well as the development of software and connected vehicle technologies and services. He is located in Cologne, headquarters of Ford’s European Model e business unit and Ford of Germany

Ford Model e, Ford’s new global business unit, was introduced this year as the company accelerated the transformation of its global automotive business.

Previously, Sander was general manager, Ford of Europe Passenger Vehicles, and chair of Ford-Werke GmbH Management Board. He joined Ford following a 25-year career at Volkswagen Group, where he held senior leadership positions in North America, the U.K. and Europe.

According to Ford, the appointment reiterates the automaker’s commitment to accelerating the electrification of its European product range, achieving zero emissions for all vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.

Ford plans to sell nine all-electric vehicles by 2024 and to raise investment in the Cologne Electrification Center to $2 billion. Starting next year, Ford will produce its first volume all-electric passenger vehicle for Europe in Cologne.