Renault and Ford strike major EV partnership

Renault Group and Ford have announced a sweeping new strategic partnership that will see the two companies co-develop a pair of Ford-branded electric vehicles for the European market. The agreement, revealed in Paris and Cologne, marks a significant shift in Ford’s EV strategy as it looks to claw back market share in a region where demand for its existing electric SUVs has underperformed.

At the heart of the partnership is the decision to base the new Ford models on Renault Group’s Ampere platform. Both vehicles will be built by Renault in northern France, leveraging the ElectriCity manufacturing hub and what the companies describe as its “state-of-the-art” EV production capability. Designed entirely by Ford but developed with Renault, the cars promise “distinctive driving dynamics”, “authentic Ford-brand DNA” and “intuitive experiences”. The first of the pair is due in early 2028.

The first model will effectively act as a successor to Ford’s Fiesta, a segment Ford has been absent from since 2023. Closely related to the new Renault 5 and built alongside it in Douai, the small electric hatch will give Ford a fresh entry-point EV as it attempts to rebuild market share, which has slipped to under 4% from a historic 12%.

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A second model, expected to be a compact electric crossover derived from the Renault 4, is also planned, though Ford has not confirmed launch timing. While the two brands will share major hardware—including a front-mounted motor with outputs between 121bhp and 215bhp and either a 40kWh or 52kWh LFP battery—the exterior and driving feel will be unique to Ford. The company emphasises they are “distinct Ford-branded electric vehicles” rather than simple rebadges.

The move comes as Ford reassesses its EV rollout in Europe. Slower-than-expected uptake has already forced the firm to scale back production of the Explorer and Capri EVs in Cologne, cut up to 1000 jobs and backtrack on its earlier plan to go fully electric in Europe by 2030.

Alongside the EV programme, the two companies have also signed a Letter of Intent to explore developing and manufacturing selected light commercial vehicles together. Renault Group CEO François Provost said: “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.”

Ford’s global chief Jim Farley added: “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.”

Both firms say the collaboration will allow them to pool expertise in design, software, manufacturing and commercial vehicles, creating a stronger competitive front as Europe’s EV market continues to evolve.