Volkswagen Group and Ford Motor Company are expanding their e-mobility partnership. Ford plans to produce another electric model for the European market based on the MEB platform.
The agreement was signed as part of the strategic alliance between Volkswagen and Ford, which includes e-mobility, commercial vehicles and autonomous driving.
Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB (Modular Electric Toolkit) allows car manufacturers to electrify their portfolio quickly and cost-effectively.
The first Ford model to use the MEB will be an all-electric crossover. It is expected to roll off the assembly line at the Ford Electrification Center in Cologne from 2023 and will give a further push to the automaker’s e-mobility strategy.
Ford had originally planned just one model based on MEB with a total volume of around 600,000 units.
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, says: “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.”
Stuart Rowley, Chair of Ford of Europe, adds: “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.”
Hamburg
The most recent model based on the MEB is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which celebrated its world premiere last week.
The MEB is mainly manufactured at the German locations of Volkswagen Group Components in Braunschweig, Kassel and Salzgitter.
Keyword: Volkswagen and Ford Expand Collaboration on MEB Electric Platform