The US car manufacturer ford has with the French car manufacturer Renault A partnership has been agreed to produce two affordable electric car models for European customers. The two Ford-branded electric car models designed by Ford and developed with Renault will be produced at the Renault factory in Douai in northern France, the companies announced. Ford shares were slightly up premarket.
The first of the two vehicle models is expected to go on sale in early 2028. The two new electric cars marked the first step in a comprehensive new product offensive from Ford in Europe. Despite the cooperation with Renault, the two brands remained clearly separated, it was said.
Cooperation on light commercial vehicles
In addition to the partnership agreement in the field of electric cars, Ford and the Renault Group signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the field of light commercial vehicles in Europe. The development and production of light commercial vehicles of both brands should be examined.
“The strategic partnership with the Renault Group is an important step for Ford and supports our strategy of building a highly efficient and sustainable business in Europe,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley (63). “We have great expectations of our collaboration with Renault.”
It’s about pooling resources and becoming faster and more efficient in the face of competition Chinasaid Farley at the presentation of the cooperation in Paris. “We know we have to fight for our survival in this industry, that’s why we’re here.”
Call for more flexibility when combustion engines are switched off
In the discussion about the so-called phase-out of combustion engines at European level from 2035, Ford called for the goals to be adapted to reality. Consumers must have the opportunity to drive hybrid vehicles for longer – instead of a forced change that they are not ready for, said Ford’s European boss Jim Baumbick.
“It’s about making the transition more attractive and affordable for all consumers and businesses, stimulating demand rather than curbing it.” Politicians must provide incentives to buy electric vehicles as well as a charging infrastructure in rural regions away from the city centers.
In Germany Ford recently took drastic austerity measures: In the fall of 2024, it was announced that 2,400 jobs would be cut at the Cologne plant in September of this year Up to 1,000 additional jobs were added. In addition, they want to switch from the previous two-shift operation to one-shift operation in January 2026.