Renault to build two small Ford EVs in France starting in 2028 on AmpR platform.
One EV may replace the discontinued Fiesta, the other likely a compact SUV.
Van collaboration under review; VW may be invited to join future projects.
Ford will introduce two electric passenger cars in Europe from 2028, based on Renault’s AmpR small vehicle platform, as part of a new partnership between the two automakers.
The upcoming models will be engineered and produced by Renault at the Ampere ElectriCity manufacturing facility in northern France. Ford will lead the vehicle design and handling calibration to maintain brand identity, the companies said during a joint press conference.
2025 Ford Puma Gen-E | Photo: FordWhile Ford has not confirmed nameplates or body styles, one vehicle is expected to be an electric successor to the Fiesta, which was discontinued in 2023. The second model is anticipated to be a small SUV offering features such as vehicle-to-grid charging, potentially replacing or supplementing the Puma Gen-E.
Ford Chooses Renault Over VW for Small EVs
Ford’s decision to partner with Renault was done, in some ways, in Volkswagen’s face. The company builds the Explorer and Capri electric SUVs on VW’s MEB platform at its Cologne facility, but Ford chose not to adopt VW’s smaller front-wheel-drive EV platform for small cars. CEO Jim Farley said cost and industrial agility were key factors in choosing Renault.
Renault’s small EV platform also underpins the upcoming Renault 4 and 5, as well as the Nissan Micra. The automaker has focused on reducing development timelines, having launched the Renault 5 in 36 months and the Twingo in 21 months.
The new EVs are part of Ford’s restructured approach in Europe, where it has scaled back its passenger car range. The company ended Focus production in Germany in November and ceased Fiesta production earlier in 2023. Other discontinued models include the S-Max, Galaxy, and Mondeo.
Ford’s passenger vehicle registrations in Europe remained flat at 360,396 in the first 11 months of 2025, according to data from ACEA, with a market share of 3.4% across the EU, UK, and EFTA.
Maintaining enough volume in the passenger segment is critical to supporting the dealer network that also sells Ford’s light commercial vehicles, Farley added.
The partnership may extend beyond passenger cars to include light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Both automakers said discussions are ongoing and no specific projects have been finalized.
2025 Ford Explorer EV | Photo: FordFord builds vans in Turkey and Romania in partnership with Koc Holding. Renault’s existing LCV collaborations, including with Volvo Truck under the Flexis banner, remain unaffected.
Volkswagen, which currently shares van production with Ford in plants across Europe and South Africa, may be invited to join the potential Renault-Ford van alliance.
Source: Automotive News
