Ford and Renault link-up to create affordable EVs

Blue oval taps into French brand for new generation of small electric hatchbacks.

By carsales.com.au

Ford has entered into an unlikely alliance with Renault to create a new generation of affordable small electric vehicles.

The blue oval brand was once a mainstay of cheap and cheerful (in a good way) city-sized cars, especially in Europe, from the original Escort right the way through the most recent Fiesta.

But it has struggled to find a viable solution in the transition to electric vehicles which are becoming increasingly critical amid tightening emission regulations in Europe.

Now, however, it looks to have found a partner in Renault that could see it revive the Fiesta and Puma nameplates with a battery-powered hatch and light SUV based on the same platform that underpins the French car maker’s retro-futuristic Renault 5.

It’s still early days in the partnership with no firm details confirmed other than a statement which reads “The new models will be based on the Ampere platform, leveraging Renault Group’s strong EV assets and competitiveness, and produced by Renault Group in the North of France, illustrating Ampere’s ElectriCity’s state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and expertise.

“Designed by Ford, developed with Renault Group, the two cars will feature distinctive driving dynamics, authentic Ford-brand DNA and intuitive experiences.”

The first model is due to be revealed in 2028.

But the relationship could also go further with Ford providing access to its class-leading Transit van, as the statement added the two companies are looking to “explore the opportunity to collaborate in the commercial vehicle segment”.

That could see the next-generation Trafic delivery van and its minibus sibling, the Tourneo, being based on the Transit, but could also lead to its Alaskan dual-cab ute, which is currently built off the now superseded Nissan Navara platform, move over to the Ford Ranger. Or an electrified Renault ute built off the same platform as Ford’s still secret EV mini truck.

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