Volkswagen, Ford to expand MEB electric platform collaboration

In 2019, Volkswagen and Ford announced an industrial alliance that saw both automotive brands explore the benefits of e-mobility. In a recent press release, Volkswagen announced that this partnership will be expanded, allowing both companies to further their plans in e-mobility, commercial vehicles, and autonomous driving.

“Profitability and speed are now crucial for finally achieving the breakthrough of e-mobility in Europe. We are tackling both together with Ford. Today’s agreement will further accelerate the electrification of the two companies. 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,” said Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components Thomas Schmall.

The extension of VW’s collaboration with Ford will take the Wolfsburg-based company one step closer to becoming a platform supplier for electric vehicles as a further pillar in addition to the core business.

For Ford, this extended partnership will allow the Blue Oval brand to pursue its plans to produce another electric model for the European market based on VW’s MEB (Modular Electric Toolkit) platform. It is said to be an all-electric crossover and is expected to roll out of the Ford Electrification Center in Cologne from 2023.

Originally, Ford only planned to make one model using the MEB platform with a total volume of around 600,000 units. However. Volkswagen says that there will be another Ford vehicle using the platform which will double the MEB volume to 1.2 million units over a six-year timeframe.

“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 Ford of Europe Chair Stuart Rowley.

Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB platform allows car manufacturers to electrify their portfolio quickly and cost-effectively.

Photos from Volkswagen and Ford

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