Ford builds another model on VW MEB platform

The carmaker Ford and the VW Group are significantly expanding their cooperation in e-mobility.

 According to the statement, Ford will in future produce another e-model for Europe based on the MEB electric platform. At the same time, the company will double its planned MEB volume to 1.2 million units over six years. The agreement was reportedly concluded as part of the strategic alliance between Volkswagen and Ford. In addition to e-mobility, this will also include the commercial vehicle business and autonomous driving.

VW chief technology officer Thomas Schmall said the agreement would further accelerate the electrification of both companies. "For the final breakthrough of e-mobility in Europe, the most important things now are economy and speed. We are tackling both in cooperation with Ford." At the same time, he said, the cooperation is proof of the MEB's strengths. "The VW electric platform is thus an ideal solution for companies that now want to move into e-mobility at speed." The responsibility for corresponding partnerships lies with the newly created business unit "Platform Business". The future platform SSP is also to be shared in future.

Ford Europe boss Stuart Rowley speaks of a "commitment to fully electric vehicles". The strategic alliance with VW is an important element in this. The first Ford model to use the MEB will be an all-electric crossover. It is scheduled to roll off the production line at the Ford Electrification Center in Cologne from 2023 and will further advance the company's e-mobility strategy. Originally, Ford had planned with only one model based on the MEB and a total volume of around 600,000 units. The company has not yet given any detailed information on the second model.

At Volkswagen, the intensified cooperation with Ford is also seen as a step on the way to becoming a platform provider in e-mobility. THEY SAY THAT the MEB is already the technological basis for ten electric models from five brands. With around 300,000 units in 2021, it would be one of the most important electric platforms worldwide. From compact vehicles to SUVs and vans, a wide variety of vehicles are possible. The latest MEB-based model is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.