Volkswagen And Ford Confirm Global Alliance: To Manufacture Vehicles Starting 2022

The alliance will allow for both companies to share investments in automobile architectures that are aimed at delivering multiple capabilities and technologies.

The companies appraise that their commercial van and pickup cooperation will result in improved annual pre-tax operating results starting in 2023.

Volkswagen and Ford have signed a memorandum of understanding to research and develop autonomous vehicles, mobility services and electric vehicles.

Both firms also said they were open to discussing additional vehicle programs in the future, and that their teams would continue working through details in the coming months.

Mr Jim Hackett, the Chief Executive Officer at Ford Motor Company 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," he added.

Dr Herbert Diess, the Chief Executive Officer at Volkswagen AG said, "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 does not include cross-ownership between the two companies, and will be governed by a joint committee. This committee will be chaired by Mr Hackett and Dr Diess, and will include senior executives from both companies.

Volkswagen and Ford both have strong commercial van and pickup businesses across multiple markets and boast of popular models like the Ford Transit family, the Ford Ranger, the Volkswagen Transporter, Caddy and the Amarok.

Both brands have collectively sold roughly 12 lakh light commercial vehicles since 2018 - essentially the industry's highest-volume collaboration.

Both brands forecast that demand for medium pickups and commercial vans is expected to grow the next five years. The partnership will allow VW and Ford to share development costs, leverage manufacturing capacity, boost capability and competitiveness, and deliver cost efficiencies, while maintaining individual brand characteristics.

Thoughts About Volkswagen And Ford Confirming Global Alliance

Volkswagen and Ford look like they're priming to dominate the global Auto Industry. Both brands are heavyweights across two continents, and this alliance will only make them stronger.