Ford Teams Up with Renault to Build an Affordable Electric “Fiesta Successor” on the Ampere Platform

Ford and Renault announced a key strategic collaboration. Their plan is to develop two small, affordable electric vehicles. They will use Renault’s Ampr platform. In this way, the alliance marks Ford’s return to the European supermini segment. Ford left this market after the Fiesta ceased production in 2023.

This partnership is a crucial move for Ford. Moreover, the company seeks to recover market share in Europe. Ford’s market share fell to 4%. This contrasts sharply with its previous record of 12%. In fact, low demand for its electric models (Capri and Explorer) already forced Ford to cut production. It had to lay off up to 1,000 jobs at its Cologne plant.

Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized the collaboration’s goal. The purpose is to combine Renault Group’s scale and electric assets with Ford’s design and driving dynamics. Thus, they will create fun, capable vehicles with a distinctive spirit.

Customization and Powertrain:

Ford assures they will customize the new models. Therefore, they will not be mere duplicates of others (like the Nissan Micra is to the Renault 5). Ford promises “authentic Ford brand DNA” and distinct driving dynamics.

• Powertrain: Ford expects to use the same hardware as the Renault models. This includes an axle-mounted motor in the front.
• Power Range: Between 121 hp and 215 hp, depending on the configuration.
• Batteries: There will be options for 40 kWh or 52 kWh. However, by 2028, the battery chemistry will change from NMC to the more cost-effective LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate).

The Second Vehicle and Regulatory Context

The second planned Ampere/Ford electric vehicle will be a compact electric crossover. Additionally, it could derive from the Renault 4. It will probably serve as a possible replacement for the Puma Gen-E. Specific details and the timeline for this model are still pending.

This is Ford’s second electric vehicle collaboration in Europe. Ford previously adopted Volkswagen’s MEB architecture for the Capri and Explorer models. Ultimately, Ford chose Renault’s Ampr platform. This platform is smaller and more cost-effective, and it beat out Volkswagen’s MEB Entry platform.

Finally, EU lawmakers are considering delaying the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from 2035 to 2040. Farley considers this measure vital for the future viability of the European auto industry.