Ford Motor Company and the Renault Group announced a new partnership that will bring two Ford‑branded electric vehicles to the European market. The vehicles will be built on Renault’s Ampere platform and will be produced at Renault’s facilities in northern France, with a joint effort to develop commercial vans that combine Ford’s Pro expertise with Renault’s manufacturing scale.
The alliance is designed to reduce development costs and accelerate time‑to‑market for affordable EVs, a priority for Ford’s European strategy. Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, said the partnership will “unlock new opportunities for affordable electric mobility in Europe” and that the vehicles should reach the road by early 2028. By using a proven platform, Ford can avoid the high costs of building a new architecture from scratch and compete more effectively against the rapidly expanding Chinese EV presence in Europe.
Europe’s EV adoption rate sits at 16.1 % of new car sales, well below the 25 % target set for 2025 to meet CO₂ goals. The partnership addresses this gap by offering a low‑cost, mass‑market electric offering that can appeal to price‑sensitive consumers and fleet operators, helping Ford regain market share lost to cheaper Chinese models.
Renault’s Ampere platform, originally developed for the company’s own small‑to‑mid‑size electric cars, will underpin the new Ford models. Production will be concentrated in northern France, where Renault already operates high‑volume EV assembly lines. The partnership does not involve German production, contrary to earlier reports, and the vehicles are expected to occupy the compact crossover and small‑car segments, filling gaps in Ford’s current lineup.
The collaboration strengthens Ford’s commercial vehicle division by combining Ford Pro’s design and driving dynamics with Renault’s scale, creating a “powerhouse” in the light commercial vehicle market. The partnership also signals Ford’s intent to balance its portfolio across internal‑combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles while maintaining a competitive edge in a market increasingly dominated by Chinese entrants.
François Provost, CEO of Renault, emphasized that the deal showcases Renault’s partnership know‑how and its ability to respond quickly to market changes. He noted that “the Chinese will come soon and that’s why I don’t want to wait,” underscoring the urgency of the alliance in a highly competitive environment.
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