Ford Partners with Renault to Reinvent European Electric Lineup

Ford has announced a strategic alliance with Renault to develop and manufacture new electric vehicles as the automaker seeks to regain its footing in the European market. This partnership comes as Ford faces significant challenges, having seen its market share decline drastically from 8.3 percent in 2005 to just 2.9 percent by the end of October 2025, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.

To combat this downturn, Ford plans to rely on Renault’s expertise, particularly in electric vehicle technology. After previously collaborating with Volkswagen on the ID.4-based Explorer and ID.5-based Capri, Ford’s upcoming models will be built on Renault’s Ampere platform in northern France. Despite being engineered by Renault, Ford emphasizes that these vehicles will retain what it calls “authentic Ford-brand DNA” and “distinctive driving dynamics.”

New Electric Models on the Horizon

The partnership will yield two new electric vehicles slated for release in early 2028, although Ford and Renault have not disclosed specific model names. The AmpR Small architecture, which underpins models such as the Twingo, Renault 4, and Nissan Micra, suggests these new vehicles will be compact. Additionally, the AmpR Medium platform, used for the electric Megane and Scenic, may also play a role in this collaboration.

Ford’s differentiation strategy aims to ensure that the upcoming models stand apart from their Renault counterparts. Speculation suggests that one of the vehicles could be a hatchback, whereas the other may take the form of a crossover based on the Renault 4. Notably, these new electric models will not directly replace Ford’s discontinued combustion-powered cars like the Ka, Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo.

As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, Ford recognizes that the new electric vehicles will come at a higher price point than their internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents. This pricing strategy may challenge Ford’s ability to reclaim lost market share over the past two decades. The company also faces potential profit margin pressures, as it has tasked Renault with much of the development work.

Expanding Collaboration on Commercial Vehicles

In addition to passenger cars, Ford and Renault are exploring joint ventures in the light commercial vehicle segment. They have signed a letter of intent to investigate the possibility of co-developing and manufacturing small vans, further solidifying their collaboration in a highly competitive market.

Ford’s decision to align itself with Renault signals a proactive approach to navigating the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry. As consumer preferences increasingly lean towards electric vehicles, this partnership may provide Ford with the necessary tools to enhance its product offerings and maintain relevance in Europe.