Ford and Renault to Join Forces on Future Vans
Ford and Renault have announced they will embark on a new collaboration that will see selected light commercial vehicles (LCVs) developed and manufactured on the same platform.
As part of a wide-reaching new strategic partnership, it is confirmed that the agreement will see two new Ford-branded passenger cars spun off from the Renault Group’s electric Ampere platform.
However, in a potentially lucrative move for both manufacturers, a Letter of Intent has been signed for the two automotive powerhouses to collaborate on future commercial vehicles too.
In a statement, the firms said ‘under this LOI, the partners will explore the opportunity to develop and manufacture Renault and Ford branded light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
Both manufacturers have previously developed strategic partnerships with other manufacturers to bolster their commercial range in recent years.
Renault has held collaborative deals with Vauxhall/Opel, FIAT and Mercedes in recent years, while it also develops vans for its alliance partner Nissan too.
Ford, meanwhile, entered into a wide-ranging agreement with Volkswagen that has led to shared platforms for their respective Transit Custom/Transporter, Ranger/Amarok, Transit Connect/Caddy Cargo models.
While it remains to be seen which models will get platforms shared between Ford and Renault, on the former’s side the largest Transit is due for replacement and could make use of Renault’s acclaimed Master platform.
Alternatively, Ford could utilise Renault’s expertise in electric technology to develop a new medium EV van based around the forthcoming Trafic, not to mention the urban delivery focused Estafette and Goelette models.
