Ford Partners with Renault to Launch New Electric Vehicles

Ford is taking significant steps to revive its presence in the European automotive market by partnering with Renault to develop and produce new electric vehicles (EVs). This collaboration comes as Ford grapples with declining sales figures, having delivered only 256,750 vehicles in the first ten months of 2025, which translates to a mere 2.9 percent market share in Europe. This marks a stark decline from 1.2 million cars and an 8.3 percent market share in 2005, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The decision to align with Renault follows Ford’s earlier partnerships with Volkswagen, focusing on models based on the ID.4 and ID.5 platforms. The upcoming EVs, set to be built in northern France, will be designed on Renault’s Ampere platform. Ford asserts that these vehicles will retain “authentic Ford-brand DNA” while offering distinctive driving dynamics. While the exact models have not been disclosed, two vehicles are expected to debut in early 2028, likely characterized by a smaller design.

Strategic Shift in Electric Vehicle Development

The Ampere platform supports a variety of models, including the Twingo, Renault 4, and Alpine A290, suggesting that Ford’s new offerings will be compact and efficient. Industry analysts anticipate that Ford will implement substantial modifications to ensure these models stand apart from their Renault counterparts, a move that contrasts with Nissan’s approach to the Micra, which was essentially a rebadged version of the Renault 5.

The new Ford models will not serve as replacements for discontinued combustion-engine vehicles such as the Ka, Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo. Instead, they will be fully electric, leading to higher production costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Consequently, Ford may find it challenging to reclaim its prior market share, as the pricing for these electric models is expected to be higher.

Collaboration on Commercial Vehicles

In addition to passenger cars, Ford and Renault are exploring opportunities in the light commercial vehicle segment. The two companies have signed a letter of intent to investigate the potential for jointly developing and manufacturing small vans. This collaboration reflects a broader strategy to consolidate resources and expertise to remain competitive in the evolving automotive landscape.

As the market for electric vehicles continues to expand, Ford’s alliance with Renault could help the company enhance its product offerings and maintain relevance in a challenging environment. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, this partnership could provide a crucial lifeline for Ford in its quest to reinvigorate its brand in Europe.