Ford and Volkswagen have expanded their global alliance to further develop the commercial and electric vehicle offerings of both companies and to better meet the ‘rapidly evolving needs of customers in Europe and beyond.’
The alliance will allow the companies to bring new vehicles to market more rapidly, incorporating relevant technologies and offering greater model choices.
They anticipate continued growth in global industry demand for commercial vehicles and for high-performing electric vehicles.
The alliance will:
- Produce a medium pickup truck engineered and built by Ford, for sale by Volkswagen as the Amarok starting in 2022 within the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles line up.
- Further strengthen the commercial vehicles businesses of both companies as early as 2021 – with a city delivery van based on the latest Caddy model, developed and built by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and later a 1-tonne cargo van created by Ford.
- Lead to a highly differentiated Ford electric vehicle for Europe by 2023 built on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) Toolkit, expanding on Ford’s zero-emission capabilities in the region.
Volkswagen Group CEO Dr. Herbert Diess said, “In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impacts on the global economy, more than ever it is vital to set up resilient alliances between strong companies.
“This collaboration will efficiently drive down development costs, allowing broader global distribution of electric and commercial vehicles.”
Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer, added, “Commercial vehicles are fundamental to Ford today and an area where we will accelerate and grow, and working with Volkswagen on these platforms will provide both of us significant financial advantages in things like engineering, and plants and tooling. Separately, Ford will add battery electric versions of Transit and F-150 in the next 24 months for commercial customers who increasingly need zero emissions and the power of connectivity, data and artificial intelligence.”
