The collaboration between Ford and Renault represents a bold turning point in the automotive landscape. In a rapidly changing market, where the shortage of cars is felt, the American manufacturer is preparing to relaunch its offensive with models developed and manufactured by its French partner. With 2028 on the horizon for their launch, excitement is palpable among enthusiasts!
Ford: a giant losing momentum
Once the king of European roads, Ford today seems to be a shadow of its former self. Let’s take a look at the figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association: from 1.2 million cars sold in 2005, the manufacturer delivered only 256,750 vehicles in the first ten months of 2023. The market share? A modest 2.9%. Not exactly a reason to celebrate around a good old American barbecue!
A strategic partnership with Renault
In this alarming context, Ford must react. After abandoning iconic models like the Ka, the Fiesta, and even the Focus, the Blue Oval has decided to turn to Renault to get back on track. This partnership, following a collaboration with Volkswagen on certain models, aims to develop electric vehicles in the heart of northern France.
But beware! Although Renault is in charge of engineering, Ford assures that these cars will retain an “authentic Ford brand DNA.” Who said that a merger had to mean a loss of identity? These future models will be based on the Ampere platform, with the first two vehicles expected to debut in early 2028. And hold on, this is just the beginning!
Upcoming models with deep roots
While the identity of the first models remains a mystery, it is highly likely that they will be small in size, given the chosen platform. The AmpR Small already serves as a base for cars like the Twingo or the Renault 5. So we can imagine a future small city car bearing the Ford name. Perhaps even a revamped version of the popular R4 crossover? If only it could rival a good old summer blockbuster!
Renault 5
Renault 4
Photos by: Renault
Ford has promised to bring significant changes compared to existing Renault models. We can therefore expect something that stands out more than the Micra, which is nothing more than a Renault 5 under a new name. That said, these new electric vehicles will not be direct replacements for Ford’s old combustion engine cars. The Ka, Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo have taken their final bow, while the newcomers will enter the market as fully electric models.
A transition to electric: challenge or opportunity?
This change is not without consequence. Indeed, the future models will be more expensive than their combustion engine predecessors. Ford cannot expect to regain its lost market share overnight. It will take much more than a simple boost to win back consumers who have made the switch to electric.
Like a football team in search of a new coach to turn things around, Ford will need to show creativity and innovation to win back its lost customers over the years. The era of combustion engines is over, and in this new electric world, consumer expectations are evolving rapidly.
A promising future?
As we approach 2028, impatience is growing around these new collaborations between Ford and Renault. The future seems fraught with challenges, but also full of promise. These future models could not only mark Ford’s return to the forefront of the European scene but also redefine its identity in this new electric era.
Ultimately, the alliance between these two giants could be the key to a spectacular renaissance. Only time will tell if Ford will succeed in climbing back up the ranks and competing once again with rival brands. In the meantime, car enthusiasts can rejoice: the coming months promise to be exciting! To keep up with all the news regarding this innovative partnership, feel free to check out our Automotive News section.
