Ford is taking a new step towards sustainable profitability in Europe. This journey is based on two strong foundations: maintaining leadership in commercial vehicles and services with Ford Pro and launching a brand new product range of electric passenger vehicles.
The new strategic partnership with Renault Group combines industrial scale with Ford’s unique design to produce innovative electric vehicles that are accessible to everyone.
New generation vehicles that offer multiple energy solutions, which we call “multi-energy” and will make a difference with Ford’s unique driving pleasure and digital experiences, will hit the roads as of 2028.
Ford calls on European regulators to align CO₂ targets with market realities for a successful and sustainable industrial transformation.
Ford today announced the new phase of its transformation strategy in Europe. This step, which strengthens Ford’s commitment to individual and commercial customers, is based on agility, cost efficiency and a clear brand promise. Ford’s European strategy is built on three pillars: further strengthening the successful Ford Pro commercial vehicle unit, expanding the passenger vehicle range with unique new models, and improving the production system to create scale and cost advantages.
On the path to creating a sustainable and profitable business model in Europe, Ford is embarking on a strong product offensive consisting of affordable “multi-energy” passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles that will support customers in their electrification journey. With this strategy, Ford will also increase its competitiveness in a challenging market. The planned new models will enrich the existing product range and will take their place in showrooms in 2028.
“As an American company, we see Europe at the forefront of our industry’s global transformation. How we compete here, our innovations, collaborations and investments will determine the game plan for the next generation. We believe in the future of Europe, but to achieve that future we must move faster and more efficiently than ever before,” said Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company.
As a first step to accelerate this plan, Ford is establishing a strategic partnership with Renault Group. The partnership includes:
Passenger Vehicles: Within the scope of this cooperation, an agreement was reached for two new Ford brand electric passenger vehicles to be developed on Renault’s Ampere platform. The vehicles will take their place in showrooms in 2028. Ford will take the lead in design and driving dynamics while leveraging common architecture for efficiency; Thus, these vehicles will fully carry the Ford spirit.
Commercial Vehicles: The parties signed a letter of intent to evaluate the joint development and production of Ford and Renault branded light commercial vehicles in order to increase the industrial scale by using common platforms.
This partnership brings together the expertise, industrial scale and supply power of two strong brands, providing the efficiency and production scale necessary to compete in a highly dynamic market.
“Our plan is based on revealing Ford’s power,” said Ford of Europe President Jim Baumbick, “We are establishing strategic partnerships to increase our competitiveness, but our main focus is the product. These vehicles will be models with high driving pleasure, fully connected and standing out from their competitors.” he said.
We Increase Productivity in Commercial Customers with Data-Focused Solutions
Ford Pro continues to use data to improve efficiency for commercial customers and remains a driver of the company’s business in Europe. Going beyond just selling vehicles, Ford Pro offers a comprehensive ecosystem of software and services that transform billions of vehicle data into meaningful insights. With its FordLive uptime system, it brought an estimated 820,000 additional vehicle usage days to businesses in Europe in 2024 alone.
Optimized industrial footprint built on a history of strong partnerships
The partnership we announced with Renault Group is the continuation of our story full of successful collaborations with Koç Holding and Volkswagen in Europe. Using common platforms, we develop unique vehicles that are innovative, accessible and fully embody the Ford spirit.
Ford Otosan, our joint venture with Koç Holding, is one of the most successful collaborations in the industry, adding significant value to our commercial vehicle business in Europe. Ford Otosan facilities, integrated with Ford’s industrial structure in Europe, are supported by electric power transmission units produced following the 380 million pound investment made in the Halewood factory in England and advanced engine technology provided from the Dagenham factory in England.
Our cooperation with Volkswagen makes a significant contribution to strengthening both our commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle business. Ford’s current electric vehicle range, developed under this partnership, is produced at our new electric vehicle center in Cologne, Germany.
At the same time, Ford is transforming its manufacturing operations in Europe to support the transition to “multi-energy” vehicles and offer more choice to its customers. Ford’s Valencia factory continues to play a critical role in its plan to create a stronger passenger vehicle portfolio in Europe.
Call from Ford for Constructive Policy Alignment
Ford’s European strategy is focused on adapting to changing CO₂ emissions regulations and providing customers with affordable, multiple energy options during the transition to electrification. The share of electric vehicles in Europe is around 16.1%. This rate is well behind Europe’s CO2 target of 25% of new vehicles being electric by 2025.
“We must ensure that everyone benefits from electrification and give customers the choice – whether fully electric or hybrid vehicles,” said Baumbick. “The aim is to make the transition more attractive and accessible to all consumers and businesses, encouraging demand rather than forcing it.” He made a statement.
Ford recommends three phases for a successful transition to electrification:
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Aligning goals with reality. CO₂ targets should be aligned to the market’s adaptation speed and producers should be offered a reliable 10-year planning perspective. This includes giving consumers the option to drive hybrid vehicles for longer; Instead of forcing them to take a leap they are not ready for, we should make the transition easier.
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Encouraging transition. Manufacturers in Europe have invested billions of euros in electric vehicles. Governments should support this effort with consistent purchasing incentives and a charging infrastructure that is not limited to big cities but extends to rural areas.
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Supporting a functioning economy. The current approach to commercial vehicles places an economic burden on the backbone of Europe. Only 8% of new commercial vehicles purchased are electric. These tools are work tools for plumbers, florists and builders. Aggressive CO₂ targets for commercial vehicles unfairly penalize small and medium-sized businesses that produce more than 50% of European GDP.
Ford Announces Next Phase of European Strategy
Automobile Magazine – English
