Ford and Renault partner to develop electric vehicles
Ford and Renault Group have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding Ford's electric vehicle offering to European customers.
The automakers have agreed to develop two distinct Ford-branded electric vehicles that will be manufactured by Renault in the north of France.
The two cars will be designed by Ford and will feature the company's "distinctive driving dynamics, authentic Ford-brand DNA and intuitive experiences."
The first of the vehicles is expected to be released in early 2028.
In addition to collaborating on EVs, Ford and Renault have signed a letter of intent for European light commercial vehicle collaboration.
They will "explore the opportunity" to jointly develop and manufacture Ford and Renault-branded selected light commercial vehicles.
"Renault Group is proud to announce a new strategic cooperation with Ford, an iconic car manufacturer," said François Provost, CEO of Renault Group.
"This partnership shows the strength of our partnership know-how and competitiveness in Europe.
"In the long term, combining our strengths with Ford will make us more innovative and more responsive in a fast-changing European automotive market."
Jim Farley, president and CEO of the Ford Motor Company, said: "The strategic partnership with Renault Group marks an important step for Ford and supports our strategy to build a highly efficient and fit-for-the future business in Europe.
"We will combine Renault Group’s industrial scale and EV assets with Ford’s iconic design and driving dynamics to create vehicles that are fun, capable, and distinctly Ford in spirit."
The Renaul deals forms part of the next phase of Ford's European transformation, which will see the company strengthen its Ford Pro commercial vehicle division, expand its passenger car range and optimise its industrial system to drive scale and cost efficiencies.
“As an American company, we see Europe as the frontline in the global transformation of our industry,” said Farley.
(Pic: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“How we compete here -- how we innovate, partner, and invest -- will write the playbook for the next generation.
"We are committed to a vibrant future in Europe, but that future requires us to move with greater speed and efficiency than ever before.”
Photo: A Ford Ranger pick-up truck seen displayed during the 42nd Thailand International Motor Expo at the Impact Challenger hall in Nonthaburi. (Pic: Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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