Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group have expanded their e-mobility partnership, with Ford planning to produce a second electric model for the European market based on the MEB platform. The company will also double its planned MEB volume to 1.2 million units over a six-year timeframe.
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, Volkswagen says MEB allows car manufacturers to electrify their portfolio quickly and cost-effectively.
“Profitability and speed are now crucial for finally achieving the breakthrough of e-mobility in Europe,” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. “We are tackling both together with Ford. [The] agreement will further accelerate the electrification of the two companies. This is also proof of the strengths of 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.”
Ford had originally planned one model based on MEB – an all-electric crossover – with a total volume of around 600,000 units. The model is expected to roll off the assembly line at the Ford Electrification Centre in Cologne from 2023. The company has not released details of the second model.
“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 Stuart Rowley, Chair of Ford of Europe.
Expanding the collaboration with Ford will take Volkswagen a step closer to becoming a platform supplier for electric vehicles. Volkswagen said the MEB platform, which can be used by various brands and manufacturers, currently provides the technology base for 10 electric models from five brands. Used to build approximately 300,000 units in 2021, it is one of the leading electric platforms in the world.
According to Volkswagen, MEB provides considerable freedom in design and model development. It covers a wide range of segments and vehicle types, from compact vehicles to SUVs and vans. The most recent model based on MEB is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz1, which recently had its world premiere. MEB also offers a more competitive cost base compared to other electric vehicles due to economies of scale worldwide. It is mainly manufactured at the German locations of Volkswagen Group Components in Braunschweig, Kassel, and Salzgitter.
To help achieve a global breakthrough in e-mobility, Volkswagen shares MEB and its other platforms with partners via a newly created business unit, Platform Business. Volkswagen’s future SSP platform will also be shared with partners, with the requirements of other manufacturers considered in development from the outset.