Ford, Renault Partner to Build Affordable EVs in Europe
▼ Summary
– Ford is partnering with Renault to develop affordable electric vehicles for the European market to revive its struggling business there.
– The collaboration will use Renault’s Ampere platform to create two smaller, Ford-branded EVs, expected by 2028.
– Ford will lead the design and driving dynamics to ensure the vehicles are distinct, and the partnership will also cover commercial vans.
– The deal is similar to Ford’s previous partnership with Volkswagen, which produced models like the electric Explorer.
– Ford’s CEO has described the competitive situation in Europe as a critical “fight for our lives,” driven by cheap Chinese EVs.
Ford and Renault have announced a strategic partnership to develop and manufacture a new generation of affordable electric vehicles specifically for the European market. This collaboration aims to revitalize Ford’s European operations by introducing competitive, smaller EVs that can effectively challenge the growing influx of budget-friendly models from Chinese automakers. The alliance represents a critical move for Ford to secure its future in a fiercely competitive regional landscape.
Ford will utilize Renault’s dedicated EV architecture, known as the Ampere platform, as the foundation for two new Ford-badged electric models. These vehicles, anticipated to launch by 2028, are expected to be compact city cars, addressing a significant gap in Ford’s current European electric portfolio. While leveraging shared engineering, Ford will retain full control over the design and driving characteristics to ensure the final products align with its brand identity. The partnership also extends to the joint development of electric commercial vans, broadening the scope of cooperation.
Ford Europe’s leadership emphasized the strategic nature of this move. “Our plan is about unleashing the Blue Oval,” stated Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick. “We are leveraging strategic partnerships to ensure competitiveness, but we are obsessing over the product. These will be fun-to-drive, fully connected vehicles that stand out from the crowd.” This approach mirrors Ford’s previous successful collaboration with Volkswagen, which produced models like the electric Explorer.
The urgency behind this deal is clear. Ford’s leadership has been candid about the severe challenges facing its European business, framing the current market dynamics as an existential struggle. The partnership with Renault is a direct response to intense price pressure and shifting consumer demand, positioning both companies to offer compelling electric alternatives without sacrificing brand distinction.
(Source: The Verge)
