American automaker Ford Motor and French carmaker Renault have formed a partnership. Together, they will produce two affordable electric vehicles for European customers to counter growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Production of New Models in Northern France
Two Ford-branded electric models, designed and developed by Ford in collaboration with Renault, will be manufactured in Douai in northern France. The first of the two models is expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2028.
Despite the collaboration, both brands will remain clearly separated, the companies said. In addition to their partnership on electric vehicles, Ford and Renault also signed a declaration of intent to cooperate in the field of light commercial vehicles in Europe.
Manufacturers Respond to Pressure from China
“Strategic partnership with the Renault Group is an important step for Ford and supports our strategy of building a highly efficient and future-ready business in Europe,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “We have high expectations from working with Renault,” he added.
Traditional European automakers are facing increasing pressure from Chinese competitors, from companies like BYD to Changan and Xpeng. Ford’s share of the European passenger car market has dropped from 6.1 percent in 2019 to 3.3 percent in the first ten months of this year.
Source: ČTK
