The are many reasons for this pairing up. One is without a doubt, trucks. While Volkswagen’s had the Amarok in its fleet for nearly 10 years now, the meat of the truck market remains in North America.
Volkswagen clearly intends to supply the US and Canada with a small truck especially after seeing the Atlas Tanoak Concept on the auto show circuit. The new Ford Ranger could serve as a base for VW’s compact truck – engines could also be on the table.
The partnership will obviously be a two-way deal. Ford could get access to VW’s MEB electric car platform, helping them accelerate the development of new products. Electric cars remain expensive, limiting the ability for volume sales to consumers. Through economies of scale, EVs can and will become more affordable.
On November 16th, Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess will define their 10-year plan. The main goals behind the plan is to cut costs by forming strategic alliances. Another is to recentralize research and development among the enormous group that includes Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat, Ducati, Scania and MAN.
