Ford and Volkswagen announce collaboration on commercial vehicles
Ford and Volkswagen have announced plans to launch a ‘global alliance’ that will see the two giants combine forces in the commercial vehicle sector. They’ve also have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate collaboration on self-driving tech, mobility services and electric vehicles.
The partnership aims to see the global launch of commercial and pick-up cooperation as early as 2022, with vans set to enter the European market in 2023.
This new alliance will enable both companies to share investments in vehicle architecture – a move that will save on costs and create a more efficient operation.
Volkswagen and Ford have also confirmed they’ll consider investing in a range of new technologies together in the future, including electric vehicle and self-driving systems.
Ford CEO Jim Hackett said: “Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society. It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.”
Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess added: “Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions to even better serve millions of customers around the world. At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness.”
The alliance will be headed up by a committee governed by Hackett and Diess and comes at a time when many manufacturers are seeking to save costs on a global level as they develop next-gen electric cars and autonomous technology. However, this particular automotive alliance will not involve cross-ownership.