Inside Ford’s Partnership with Renault Group in Europe

Ford has partnered with Renault Group to produce two Ford-branded EVs in Europe. 

In 2026, Ford announced changes to its EV plans after recording US$19.5bn in loss mostly related to EVs, with the majority in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the remainder in 2026 and 2027.

However in Europe, EV’s remain a part of Ford strategy.

In the company’s 2025 Q4 earnings call, Ford CEO Jim Farley said: “We're looking to piggyback in Europe with Renault and Volkswagen on capital efficient, high scale, lower cost solutions like B car EVs in Renault. We think that is a market, depending on how the EU and the UK incentivise them, but that can be profitable.”

The partnership between Renault and Ford

Jim said when announcing the partnership: "The strategic partnership with Renault Group marks an important step for Ford and supports our strategy to build a highly efficient and fit-for-the future business in Europe. 

“We will combine Renault Group's industrial scale and EV assets with Ford's iconic design and driving dynamics to create vehicles that are fun, capable, and distinctly Ford in spirit."

The collaboration is a partnership agreement for the development of two Ford-branded EVs. The new models will be based on Renault’s Ampere platform.

The models will be produced by Renault Group in the North of France, using Ampere's ElectriCity's manufacturing capabilities.

It was speculated by the RAC that this may result in a popular Ford Fiesta model, returning as a Renault-built EV.

Announcing the partnership in 2025, François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, said: “This partnership shows the strength of our partnership know-how and competitiveness in Europe. In the long term, combining our strengths with Ford will make us more innovative and more responsive in a fast-changing European automotive market."

In addition to collaborating on EVs, Ford and Renault signed a Letter of Intent for a European light commercial vehicle collaboration. The partners will explore the opportunity to jointly develop and manufacture Ford and Renault branded selected light commercial vehicles.

Renault’s strategy in Europe

Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors’ also have a strategic partnership in Europe at its Ampere Douai Plant that produces EVs for all four brands. 

According to reporting from Reuters, in France, Renault will build a new small EV engine using parts supplied by China's Shanghai e-drive. 

Speaking to Auto Express, François said there was no connection between the group’s Chinese operations and its technical partnership with Ford. 

Ford’s strategy in Europe

In America, Ford recently revised production of the F-150, a top selling electric pickup in the US, from all-electric to EREV, meaning it also relies on a fossil fuel generator.

This is one part of Ford's changes to its EV policy after recording US$19.5bn in loss mostly related to EVs, with the majority in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the remainder in 2026 and 2027.

However, EVs are still a part of its plan in Europe. Jim said in 2025: “As an American company, we see Europe as the frontline in the global transformation of our industry.

“How we compete here, how we innovate, partner and invest, will write the playbook for the next generation. We are committed to a vibrant future in Europe, but that future requires us to move with greater speed and efficiency than ever before.”