Renault and Ford Announce New EV Partnership

Renault and Ford collaborate to design Europe-oriented EVs, a move that reinforces their stand in the fast-evolving automobile industry.

Ford Motor and Renault Group declared a strategic alliance to speed up the development of electric vehicles in the European market, which announced a major change in the sphere of international cars.

Based on the agreement, Renault will produce two Ford-branded EVs in northern France, with the first to appear in showrooms at the beginning of 2028.

The joint venture will enhance competitiveness because the automobile industry is under high competition due to the presence of fast-growing Chinese EV manufacturers. Co-development of light commercial vehicles is another strategy that the companies will consider, and in this context, this could also enhance their presence in the European automobile market.

Ford will undertake design work on the new EVs, and Renault will use its manufacturing experience. The two automakers believe that the alliance will help them to become more resilient amid the rapid electrification transition in Europe.

Industry statistics highlight the need for such collaboration. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, BYD, the largest manufacturer of EVs in China, increased its sales by over threefold in Europe in January-October 2020 compared to what it had in January-October 2019. This influx has heightened the competition of the old carmakers in the region.

Through merging, Renault and Ford will achieve competitive, locally centered EVs and remain viable in a market that is quickly shifting to rapid change in technology and regulations.