Announced on December 9, 2025, the deal marks a bold pivot for Ford in Europe, where it has struggled with thin margins and volatile EV demand amid aggressive Chinese competition. The two Ford-badged models likely including a compact hatchback akin to a spiritual Fiesta successor will leverage Renault's proven Ampere architecture, already underpinning hits like the Renault 5 E-Tech, R4, and Mégane E-Tech. Ford leads styling and dynamics to inject its signature "fun-to-drive" DNA, while Renault handles manufacturing at its ElectriCity plant in Douai, maximising underused capacity and slashing development costs for both.
"This partnership shows the strength of our partnership know-how and competitiveness in Europe," said Renault CEO François Provost. Ford Europe president Jim Baumbick added it unleashes the "Blue Oval" by blending Renault's EV scale with Ford's design flair, targeting budget-conscious buyers wary of pricier options. A letter of intent also explores joint light commercial vehicles, complementing Ford's existing VW van tie-up and Renault's Nissan/Volvo collaborations.
The move responds to Europe's 16.1 percent EV market share far below CO2 compliance needs and looming Chinese onslaughts from BYD and MG. Ford, already using VW's MEB for Explorer and Capri EVs, gains capital efficiency without full platform reinvention. Analysts like GlobalData's Justin Cox hail it as pragmatic cost-sharing, though no merger looms.
First cars arrive early 2028. Europe’s EV wars just got a transatlantic twist.
