Major car manufacturers, Ford and Renault Group, have announced the conclusion of a significant strategic partnership aimed at expanding the range of Ford electric vehicles for European customers. This move aims to significantly strengthen the competitiveness of both companies in the rapidly changing automotive environment, the press release states, but it is clear that Ford is looking for a solution to replace the defunct Fiesta and Focus models in its range, i.e. to introduce their electric replacements.
The basis of this collaboration between the two companies is an agreement to develop two models of different electric vehicles under the Ford brand, which will be based on Renault’s Ampere platform. The new models will take advantage of the Renault Group’s strong resources in the electric vehicle segment and will be produced at Renault’s facilities in northern France, known as ElectriCity. Although the vehicles will be designed by Ford and retain the brand’s authentic DNA and recognizable driving dynamics, their development will take place in collaboration with the Renault Group. It should be the first step in a comprehensive offensive of new Ford models in Europe.
Renault 5 inspires Fiesta replacement
According to announcements, the first of the two new vehicles is expected in showrooms at the beginning of 2028. It is an electric “supermini” that will be produced alongside the Renault 5. Available information suggests that the Renault 5 could serve as inspiration for the new Fiesta. The second model will probably be a compact electric one crossover based on the Renault 4 architecture, which could replace the Puma Gen-E model in the future. Both models will use the same Ampr EV architecture as Renault’s 4 and 5 models.
Cooperation also in the segment of commercial vehicles
In addition to cooperation on passenger electric vehicles, Ford and Renault Group also signed a Letter of Intent regarding cooperation in the segment of light commercial vehicles. The partners will explore the possibility of joint development and production of selected commercial vehicles under the Ford and Renault brands. The goal is to use the proven capabilities and competitiveness of the Ampere platform and the industrial capacities in France for production, which would create a strong force ready to stimulate innovation and efficiency in the European market.