UPDATE: Ford is taking urgent action to revive its faltering presence in Europe by partnering with Renault to develop new electric vehicles (EVs). This strategic alliance aims to address Ford’s alarming sales decline, with deliveries plummeting to just 256,750 cars in the first ten months of 2025, marking a drastic drop to a mere 2.9 percent market share.
Ford’s sales figures reflect a stark contrast to its past dominance, where the automaker delivered 1.2 million cars in 2005, holding an impressive 8.3 percent market share. This decline has left Ford scrambling for solutions after discontinuing popular models like the Ka, Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo within the last decade.
In a bid to regain its footing, Ford is set to collaborate with Renault, building its next generation of EVs on the Ampere platform in northern France. Although specific model names remain under wraps, Ford promises that these vehicles will carry “authentic Ford-brand DNA” and maintain “distinctive driving dynamics.” The first two models are expected to roll out by early 2028.
The partnership with Renault comes on the heels of Ford’s previous collaboration with Volkswagen on the ID.4-based Explorer and ID.5-based Capri. The new models are anticipated to be smaller electric vehicles, with the AmpR Small architecture underpinning designs similar to the Renault 5 and Nissan Micra.
Ford’s effort to differentiate these models from their Renault counterparts is crucial, as they aim to avoid the pitfalls seen with existing rebadged versions. While one vehicle may be a hatchback, potentially mirroring the Renault R4, the other could feature a crossover design. These EVs will not replace Ford’s previous combustion-powered cars but represent a significant shift towards electrification.
However, the transition to electric will not be without challenges. These vehicles are expected to carry a higher price tag compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models, making it difficult for Ford to reclaim lost market share. Analysts indicate that profit margins may be slim, especially as Ford relies on Renault for much of the development work.
This partnership not only helps Ford accelerate its model launches but also allows it to maintain a competitive edge in Europe’s rapidly evolving automotive market. In a related move, Ford and Renault have signed a letter of intent to explore joint development of small vans, further solidifying their collaboration.
As Ford embarks on this critical alliance, the automotive industry is watching closely. The success of this venture could determine whether Ford can reclaim its status in Europe or continue its downward trajectory. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
