Ford to Use Renault Network for European EV Production

Ford has entered a cross-border production agreement with Renault Group to manufacture two Ford-branded electric vehicles in Europe using the French manufacturer's supply chain infrastructure.

The partnership will use Renault's Ampere ElectriCity manufacturing capabilities in northern France. The facility already produces EVs for Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors under an existing strategic partnership.

Manufacturing and platform sharing

The two new Ford models will be built on Renault's Ampere platform. This arrangement allows Ford to access established production capacity without building its own European EV manufacturing infrastructure.

Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, says: "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 agreement was initially announced in 2025. Production is expected to begin in 2026.

The RAC speculated the partnership could result in a Ford Fiesta model returning as a Renault-built EV.

Parts are supplied from China

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

François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, told Auto Express there was no connection between the group's Chinese operations and its technical partnership with Ford.

The parts supply arrangement shows how European manufacturers continue to depend on Chinese component suppliers for EV production. Ford will manufacture vehicles using Renault's supply chain, which includes these Chinese-sourced parts.

François explains: "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."

Strategic collaboration on commercial vehicles

Ford and Renault signed a Letter of Intent for a European light commercial vehicle collaboration. The partners will jointly develop and manufacture Ford and Renault-branded selected light commercial vehicles.

This arrangement could expand the cross-border production partnership beyond passenger EVs. No timeline was provided for the commercial vehicle collaboration.

Jim said in the company's 2025 Q4 earnings call: "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 statement indicates Ford may pursue similar manufacturing partnerships with other European carmakers.

Ford's production strategy shift

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

In America, Ford revised production of the F-150 electric pickup from all-electric to EREV. The revised model relies on a fossil fuel generator in addition to electric power.

However, EVs remain part of Ford's manufacturing strategy 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."

The Renault partnership allows Ford to maintain European EV production without the capital expenditure of building its own facilities. The arrangement provides access to established supply chains and manufacturing capacity in a region where EV adoption continues.