Volkswagen and Ford said on Tuesday they will join forces on commercial vans and pickups and are exploring shared development of electric and self-driving technology, actions meant to save the firms billions of dollars.
Ford and VW announced their partnership against the backdrop of the Detroit auto show.
The tie-up, which starts with sales of vans and medium-sized pickups in 2022, will not involve a merger or equity stakes, the companies said.
The expanding alliance, which will be governed by a joint committee that includes the CEOs of both companies, highlights the growing pressure on global motormakers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as meet tougher emissions standards for internal combustion vehicles.
Ford will provide more details on how the alliance affects Ford’s regional operations in coming weeks, but does not expect any job cuts in Ford plants as a result of the alliance, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said.
Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies, Volkswagen said.
Ford will also engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, while VW will develop and build a city van. Vans could be built in Ford’s plant in Turkey, VW said.
The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pretax operating results starting in 2023.
Ford and VW have signed a memorandum to jointly develop electric and self-drivin
VW, Ford team up on bakkies
Image: Paulo Whitaker
Volkswagen and Ford said on Tuesday they will join forces on commercial vans and pickups and are exploring shared development of electric and self-driving technology, actions meant to save the firms billions of dollars.
Ford and VW announced their partnership against the backdrop of the Detroit auto show.
The tie-up, which starts with sales of vans and medium-sized pickups in 2022, will not involve a merger or equity stakes, the companies said.
The expanding alliance, which will be governed by a joint committee that includes the CEOs of both companies, highlights the growing pressure on global motormakers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as meet tougher emissions standards for internal combustion vehicles.
Ford will provide more details on how the alliance affects Ford’s regional operations in coming weeks, but does not expect any job cuts in Ford plants as a result of the alliance, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said.
Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies, Volkswagen said.
Ford will also engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, while VW will develop and build a city van. Vans could be built in Ford’s plant in Turkey, VW said.
The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pretax operating results starting in 2023.
Ford and VW have signed a memorandum to jointly develop electric and self-drivin
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