Renault Group and Ford Motor Company today announced a landmark strategic partnership aimed at expanding Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) offerings to European customers and significantly enhancing the overall competitiveness for both companies in the continent’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The collaboration’s cornerstone is a partnership agreement for the development of two distinct Ford-branded electric vehicles. These new models will utilize the Ampere platform, leveraging Renault Group’s EV industrial scale and expertise. Production for the new Ford models will take place at Renault Group’s ElectriCity manufacturing facilities in the North of France.
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While designed by Ford, the two cars will be jointly developed with Renault Group, featuring “distinctive driving dynamics, authentic Ford-brand DNA and intuitive experiences.” They represent the first step in a comprehensive new product offensive for Ford in Europe, with the first of the two vehicles expected in showrooms in early 2028.
In addition to the EV cooperation, the companies signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore a European light commercial vehicle (LCV) collaboration. Under the LOI, the partners will investigate the opportunity to jointly develop and manufacture selected LCVs for both the Renault and Ford brands.
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Ford President and CEO Jim Farley emphasized the importance of scale and efficiency in the European market. “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,” Farley said.
François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, highlighted the mutual benefits of the deal. “Renault Group is proud to announce a new strategic cooperation with Ford, an iconic car manufacturer. 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,” he stated.
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The alliance allows Ford to enter the affordable, small EV segment in Europe more quickly and cost-effectively, complementing its existing partnership with Volkswagen. For Renault, which is actively seeking partnerships to utilize its factories more fully, the deal bolsters its industrial output and helps distribute the high cost of EV development.
