Volkswagen and Ford expand e-mobility collaboration
The enhanced collaboration sees Ford produce another electric model for the European market based on the modular electric toolkit (MEB) platform. The automaker will also double its planned MEB volume to 1.2 million units over a six-year timeframe.
The agreement comes as part of a strategic alliance between Volkswagen and Ford, which covers e-mobility, commercial vehicles and autonomous driving. Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB 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 Centre in Cologne from 2023 and is expected to drive their e-mobility strategy. Ford originally planned just one model based on MEB with a total volume of around 600,000 units. The company has not yet released any details about the second planned model.
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Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management comments, “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.”
Stuart Rowley, Chair of Ford of Europe, states, “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.”
The MEB platform, which was used to build up to 300,000 units in 2021, provides the technology base for 10 electric models from five brands. It can be used by various brands and manufacturers and aims to provide freedom in design and model development.
The MEB covers a range of segments and vehicle types, including compact vehicles, SUVs and vans, among more. The most recent model to date based on the MEB is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which had its world premiere last week.
The MEB also offers a competitive cost base compared to other electric vehicles due to the utilization of economies of scale worldwide. It is mainly manufactured at the German locations of Volkswagen Group Components in Braunschweig, Kassel and Salzgitter.
