The rumours have now become official as Ford will now be using Volkswagen’s electric car platform known as the MEB (Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten) for some of its own battery power vehicles. The announcement has been made at the backdrop of the global alliance that the companies had announced in January, 2019. American auto giant announced that it will use Volkswagen’s MEB to build at least one high volume fully electric vehicle in Europe beginning in 2023.
For now the MEB framework is already in use in a variety of EVs (electric vehicles) which are yet to be released by Volkswagen and its subsidiary brands. However, the American auto giant has become the first external company beyond e.GO Mobile AG, a German EV start up to use MEB. Ford has hoped to sell more than 600,000 vehicles that use the MED framework over a span of six years. Another second model, that is designed for Europe is under discussion at the company.
The company in a press release said, “This supports Ford’s European strategy, which involves continuing to play on its strengths – including commercial vehicles, compelling crossovers and imported iconic vehicles such as Mustang and Explorer”. On the other hand Volkswagen has been working on the MEB platform since 2016 and expects to build 15 million cars with the help of the technology in the next decade. The models include the camper inspired I.D. Buzz and the ID.3 hatchback which is still under wraps.
Moreover, Volkswagen is investing $2.6 billion in to Argo AI which is a self driving startup that is based in Pittsburg. But Ford has already invested in the company and the latest announcement means that both the automakers have an equal stake and combined a substantial majority. The companies are planning to implement Argo AI’s system to some of the future cars. Ford and Volkswagen say that they will independently design purpose built vehicles to support the distinct people and goods movement initiatives of both the companies.
Photo Credits: Autocar
