Ford has struck a partnership agreement with Renault Group to develop passenger and commercial vehicles in a major new product offensive.

The agreement will start with two affordable electric cars in Europe, but will also include light commercial vehicles in a push to “enhance the competitiveness of both parties”.

The new Ford-branded electric cars will be based on Renault Group’s Ampere platform and are widely tipped to include the EV successor to the Fiesta, based on the Renault 5 supermini.

The second model is expected to be closely related to the Renault 4 crossover and could replace the Ford Puma Gen-E.

As well as drawing on Renault’s “strong EV assets and competitiveness”, both vehicles will be built at Renault Group’s ElectriCity plant in the north of France.

Crucially, Ford has stressed that the vehicles will be designed inhouse and will feature “distinctive driving dynamics, authentic Ford-brand DNA and intuitive experiences”, marking them out as “distinct” from their Renault cousins.

The first of the duo is expected in showrooms in early 2028, marking the inaugural step in a comprehensive new product offensive for Ford in Europe.

Additionally, the companies will explore the opportunity to collaborate in the commercial vehicle segment in Europe by jointly developing and manufacturing Ford- and Renault-branded selected LCVs. This will combine “decades of experience in the light commercial vehicle segment, as well as the industrial scale and extensive supply base of both companies”, creating a “formidable force poised to drive innovation and efficiency in the European market”.

The two automotive giants have struck the deal as major Chinese brands ramp up their assault on the European automotive sector; both in cars and vans.

Ford and Renault said the partnership is aimed at “significantly enhancing competitiveness for both companies in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape in Europe” while also serving customers in both the retail and commercial vehicle segments.

Jim Farley, president and CEO at Ford Motor Company, said the partnership with Renault Group marked an important step for Ford and supported its strategy to “build a highly efficient and fit-for-the future business in Europe”.

“We will combine Renault Group’s industrial scale and EV assets with Ford’s iconic design and driving dynamics to create vehicles that are fun, capable and distinctly Ford in spirit,” he stated.

François Provost, CEO Renault Group, added: “Renault Group is proud to announce a new strategic cooperation with Ford; an iconic car manufacturer. This partnership shows the strength of our partnership know-how and competitiveness in Europe. In the long term, combining our strengths with Ford will make us more innovative and more responsive in a fast-changing European automotive market.”