Ford Europe and VW sharing MEB electric platform
ID.2 could spawn a return of Fiesta
Ford could be expanding its partnership with Volkswagen to include an electric replacement for the Fiesta. The head of Ford Europe’s passenger car business spoke about the VW partnership just days after the beloved Ford Fiesta finally ended production.
Automotive News spoke with Ford’s Martin Sander, asking the executive if Ford would take a version of VW’s planned small EV based on its MEB architecture. “Nothing has been decided, but I don’t want to rule that out,” Sander said.
Sander described the relationship as “a very constructive and positive cooperation with Volkswagen,” adding that “we are possibly exploring opportunities to take that to the next level.”
Volkswagen is planning an entry-level ID.2 model for 2025, expected to come in at under $25,000. A shared platform with that car could make sense for Ford.
As Sander said, “smaller vehicles are smaller margin. We do not have the scale of the Volkswagen Group or Stellantis in Europe. Small vehicles like Fiesta are not the heartland of Ford Motor Company.” Taking advantage of VW’s scale could make the car a viable option.
The Ford Fiesta has been an icon in Europe since the 1970s. While the car was sold in the U.S. and Canada for only one generation, and left after model year 2017, it remained a good seller across the pond. The popularity of larger crossovers and the expenses of developing new platforms killed it in Europe this year.
Ford Europe’s first EV on VW’s MEB platform will be a Euro-only model badged Explorer. A second “sports crossover” is expected next year.
