Volkswagen to share MEB platform with Ford – report

According to a report from Reuters, which quotes 'a source familiar with the matter', the two companies have "reached an outline agreement to share electric and autonomous car technologies".

In short, that would see Volkswagen share the MEB platform set to underpin its upcoming range of ID. electric vehicles with the Blue Oval.

Spokespeople for both companies declined to comment on specifics, but a Ford representative said "discussions have been productive across a number of areas. We’ll share updates as details become more firm".

Ford and Volkswagen have already committed to a commercial vehicle partnership, developing vans and utes side-by-side.

The next Ranger and Amarok will be built on a common platform, and the pair will also collaborate on "larger commercial vans for European customers", which would suggest the next Transit and Transporter will be closely related.

It's worth pointing out, the partnership won't involve any form of cross ownership. Instead, a joint committee featuring both CEOs will drive the alliance.

Financial benefits of the partnership should become apparent from 2023, the automakers say, with savings starting out at around US$500 million ($695 million) per year.