On the Dash:
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Ford and Renault will co-develop two Ford-branded EVs for Europe, using Renault’s Ampere platform.
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The partnership addresses EV challenges, including low volumes, range anxiety, and limited charging infrastructure.
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Both automakers will explore joint production of light commercial vehicles to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
Ford Motor Co. announced a partnership with French automaker Renault SA to develop two Ford-branded electric vehicles for Europe and to explore collaboration on light commercial vehicles. The announcement follows a delayed European Commission meeting on a proposed automotive package that could weaken the 2035 ban on new carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles.
The co-developed passenger EVs will use Renault’s Ampere smart EV platform and are expected to arrive starting in early 2028. Ford will lead the design and driving dynamics to ensure the vehicles maintain a distinct Ford identity. Production will take place at Renault’s ElectriCity plant in northern France, with Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain contributing to broader product plans.
Ford officials say the partnership addresses key challenges facing the EV market. Low sales volumes, consumer hesitancy over range, limited charging infrastructure, and slow charging speeds make electric vehicles difficult to profitably produce. Sharing Renault’s platform helps create the scale needed for affordability and profitability. EVs currently account for 16% of European new-car sales, below the 25% target required to meet the EU’s 2025 CO2 goals.
The automakers also signed a letter of intent to collaborate on European light commercial vehicles. Joint development and manufacturing of Ford- and Renault-branded vans aim to improve efficiency while responding to regulatory pressure. Ford called aggressive CO2 rules on commercial vehicles an economic burden for small- and medium-sized businesses, noting only 8% of vans are electric.
Ford executives emphasize that consistent government support and infrastructure investment are critical for EV adoption. Jim Farley, CEO, framed the partnership as part of Ford’s broader commitment to a sustainable future in Europe, noting that investment, restructuring, and strategic collaborations are central to maintaining competitiveness. Renault CEO François Provost highlighted that combining expertise will make both companies more innovative and responsive in Europe’s fast-changing automotive market.
Ford’s European operations have undergone restructuring, including 4,000 job cuts by 2027, primarily in Germany and the U.K., to focus on the Ford Pro commercial business and underperforming EV sales. The partnership with Renault joins Ford’s other European alliances, including ventures with Ford Otosan in Turkey and Volkswagen AG.
