Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) announced on Tuesday that it will partner with Renault (EPA:RENA) to develop new electric vehicles as part of a wider effort to strengthen its presence in European markets.
Under the agreement, Ford and Renault will work together to create affordable electric models, with the first units expected to launch in 2028. These vehicles will carry the Ford brand but will be built on Renault’s Ampere platform.
Ford also unveiled a broader European growth strategy. The plan includes expanding its model lineup and reducing manufacturing costs across the region to improve competitiveness.
Jim Farley, Ford’s president and CEO, emphasized Europe’s importance in the global shift toward electric mobility. “As an American company, we see Europe as the frontline in the transformation of our industry,” Farley said in a press release.
The announcement follows Farley’s recent warning in the Financial Times, where he argued that the European Union’s strict EV rules could jeopardize the long-term viability of the continent’s auto industry. In Tuesday’s statement, Ford again urged European regulators to adopt more realistic EV targets.
As of October 2025, Ford held a 3.1% share of the European auto market, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. This places the U.S. brand behind competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and Renault, the latter of which holds a 10.4% market share.
Demand for Ford’s traditional petrol and diesel vehicles has slowed in Europe as regulators push for faster electrification. However, this transition has also opened the door for Chinese automakers. BYD, in particular, has been gaining market share rapidly in the region.
