Volkswagen and Ford today announced that they will collaborate on yet another electric vehicle for the European market. For it, the American automaker will borrow German’s all-electric MEB platform.
Although Ford has yet to reveal official details about the new model, it seems likely to be another crossover given Ford’s future plans. Just today, it announced that along with five light commercial vehicles, its all-electric European lineup will include a “Medium-size Crossover” and a “Sport Crossover” by 2024.
“Our strategic alliance with Volkswagen is an important element of Ford’s commitment to offer an all-electric range of vehicles that are uniquely Ford and designed to meet the mobility needs of a modern Europe that is leading the fight against climate change,” said Stuart Rowley, Chair of Ford of Europe.
Read More: Ford Confirms European EV Range With Four Crossovers And Five LCVs By 2024
The American automaker has already gone to VW in the past to use their MEB platform for use on a compact electric crossover. Set to sit beneath the Mustang Mach-E in the Ford lineup, the vehicle is expected to be a big departure from both the Mach-E and the Volkswagen ID.4 thanks to its rugged, boxy design.
Volkswagen, meanwhile, is happy to have Ford using its MEB platform since it was open about its desire to license it to rival manufacturers in order to accelerate the EV adoption rate and of course help with the enormous development costs of electrification. With this new vehicle, Ford expects to make 1.2 million vehicles on the MEB platform, twice as many as it had initially planned.
“Profitability and speed are now crucial for finally achieving the breakthrough of e-mobility in Europe. We are tackling both together with Ford,” said Thomas Schmall, VW’s head of technology and components. “This is also proof of the strengths of the MEB, which provides a unique package of high-tech, competitive costs and speed in implementing projects. The electric platform is thus the ideal solution for companies looking to speed up their electrification.”
Ford’s first MEB-based crossover is expected to be revealed in the first half of this year, while the newly announced second model will start rolling off the line in 2023.
