Ford Motor Company and Renault Group announced a partnership on Tuesday to develop and produce two affordable Ford-branded electric vehicles for the European market, set for launch in 2028, as Ford confronts intense competition from Chinese automakers like BYD and SAIC Motor.
Ford CEO Jim Farley described the situation facing the company as “a fight for our lives in our industry,” highlighting the urgency to maintain competitiveness in Europe. This partnership serves as a key strategy to address those challenges. Under the agreement, Ford will oversee the design of the two electric vehicles, while Renault handles assembly at its facility in northern France. The vehicles will utilize Renault’s Ampere technology platform, which supports efficient electric vehicle production.
The collaboration extends beyond passenger EVs. The two companies have committed to “explore” opportunities for joint production of light commercial vehicles. This initiative aligns with Ford’s broader European transformation plan, which focuses on enhancing agility and reducing costs in a region dominated by lower-priced offerings from Chinese manufacturers.
Farley emphasized the strategic importance of the European market in a prepared statement: “As an American company, we see Europe as the frontline in the global transformation of our industry.” He added, “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.”
This partnership builds on Ford’s efforts to adapt to the shifting dynamics of the automotive sector, where affordable electric options from competitors such as BYD and SAIC Motor have gained significant market share in Europe. By leveraging Renault’s manufacturing capabilities and technology, Ford aims to deliver competitively priced EVs tailored to European consumers.
