Ford, VW announce alliance on LCVs, autonomous, EVs

Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess (right) and Ford CEO Jim Hackett. They confirmed that the companies intend to develop commercial vans and medium-sized pickups for global markets beginning as early as 2022.

Ford and Volkswagen are to cooperate in developing and building vans and pickups for both brands, to be introduced to global markets within three years, writes Brian Byrne.

The two companies have also agreed to investigate collaboration on autonomous and electric vehicles. They may also consider joint ventures in additional vehicle programmes in the future.

There is no cross-ownership involvement in the initiative, which will be managed by a committee formed from representatives of both companies.

Medium pickups under the agreement will be delivered to global customers from 2022.

Through the alliance, Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies. For both parties, Ford intends to engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, and Volkswagen intends to develop and build a city van.

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