Ford and Renault Reveal Strategic EV Cooperation in Europe

Ford and Renault Group have confirmed a strategic partnership to develop new electric cars for Europe, as announced by both companies. Learn what the agreement includes.

Ford and Renault Group have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ford’s electric vehicle presence in Europe while reinforcing Renault’s role as a major EV manufacturing force in the region. At the core of the agreement is the joint development of two new fully electric Ford passenger cars based on Renault Group’s Ampere platform.

The new models will be designed for Ford and will carry the brand’s own design identity, while relying on Renault Group’s Ampere electric architecture. Production is planned in northern France at the ElectriCity industrial cluster, Renault’s dedicated hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. The first of the two models is expected to reach European showrooms in early 2028.

ElectriCity already plays a central role in Renault Group’s electrification strategy. The cluster brings together manufacturing sites in Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz and was conceived as an integrated ecosystem for EV production and related technologies. Renault Group has previously positioned ElectriCity as a high-volume electric vehicle hub, following extensive investments to convert and modernise facilities for dedicated EV platforms.

The cooperation between Ford and Renault Group extends beyond passenger cars. The companies have also signed a Letter of Intent to explore potential collaboration in the light commercial vehicle segment in Europe. This would involve the possible joint development and production of selected Ford and Renault vans, although no specific models, timelines or production sites have been confirmed at this stage.

In their official statements, both groups underline the strategic nature of the partnership. For Ford, the agreement supports its efforts to expand an efficient and competitive electric vehicle lineup for European customers by leveraging Renault Group’s EV expertise and industrial scale. For Renault Group, the partnership further strengthens the role of the Ampere platform and helps secure long-term utilisation of its ElectriCity production ecosystem.

Against the backdrop of intensifying competition in the European EV market and growing pressure to deliver more affordable electric models at a faster pace, the Ford–Renault Group cooperation reflects a pragmatic approach. While the deal does not involve equity ties, it highlights how shared development and manufacturing can become a key tool for established automakers navigating the next phase of Europe’s electric transition.