Core Viewpoint - SK On has decided to terminate its joint venture with Ford Motor for two battery factories in the United States [1] Company Summary - SK On is a South Korean battery manufacturer [1] - The joint venture with Ford was focused on establishing battery production facilities in the U.S. [1] Industry Summary - The decision reflects a significant shift in the electric vehicle battery manufacturing landscape [1] - The termination of the joint venture may impact the supply chain and production capabilities for electric vehicle batteries in the U.S. [1]

Core Viewpoint - The strategic partnership between Renault and Ford marks a significant response to the accelerating transformation and intensifying competition in the global automotive industry, focusing on collaboration as a means of survival and growth [3][5]. Group 1: Strategic Collaboration - Renault and Ford's collaboration involves comprehensive and deep cooperation in both passenger and commercial vehicle sectors, aiming to enhance product competitiveness in a sluggish global commercial vehicle market [5]. - The partnership includes a written agreement for joint development and production of specific light commercial vehicles under both Renault and Ford brands, leveraging Renault's channel advantages in Europe and Ford's engineering expertise in North America [5]. - In the competitive passenger vehicle market, the two companies will jointly develop a Ford-branded electric vehicle, with production handled by Renault's ElectriCity plant in northern France [6]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Cost Efficiency - The collaboration is expected to reduce R&D costs by 30% and shorten the new vehicle launch cycle by 25%, optimizing cost structures in response to stringent European emission standards and electric vehicle subsidy policies [6]. - The partnership adopts a "technology sharing + brand independence" model, allowing both companies to avoid large capital investments in joint ventures while achieving cooperation through shared technology and complementary strengths [7]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Future Implications - The Renault-Ford partnership reflects a shift in the automotive industry towards "core technology sharing" rather than exclusive proprietary technology platforms, indicating a potential evolution of electric vehicle platforms into open ecosystems [8]. - The collaboration highlights the need for targeted vehicle development based on regional market demands, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to accommodate diverse consumer habits and regulatory environments [8]. - The partnership signifies a transition from zero-sum competition to a symbiotic relationship among automakers, emphasizing the importance of strategic cooperation in navigating the challenges of electrification and market slowdowns [9].

Core Viewpoint - Renault Group and Ford Motor Company have officially announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop two affordable electric vehicle models for the European market, aiming to reduce costs and address increasing competition [1] Group 1: Strategic Collaboration - The collaboration focuses on the electrification transition and product layout in the European market, with both companies set to launch two new Ford-branded electric vehicles based on Renault's Ampere platform, produced in the ElectriCity facility in northern France [2] - The new models will be small, affordable electric vehicles, with the first expected to hit the European market in early 2028, filling a gap in Ford's electric vehicle offerings in Europe while maximizing Renault's platform capacity [2] Group 2: Commercial Vehicle Development - In addition to passenger vehicles, the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore joint development and production of specific light commercial vehicles under both Renault and Ford brands [3] - Historically, Renault has partnered with Nissan and Daimler, while Ford's previous collaborations in Europe were primarily with Volkswagen, focusing on mid-sized and larger electric vehicles [3] Group 3: Market Challenges - Both companies face significant challenges in the European market, with Renault reporting a revenue of €27.6 billion in the first half of 2025, a 2.5% increase, but a net loss of €11.143 billion, largely due to a €9.3 billion impairment on its Nissan stake [7] - Ford's market share in Europe has declined from over 10% in the 1990s to 4% in 2023, with a reported market share of 3.3% for the first ten months of 2025 [9] - The collaboration is seen as a necessary step for both companies to share resources, reduce transformation costs, and strengthen their positions in the competitive European market [9]

RT Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt)Ford was the most recalled automaker in the US in 2025 so far, while @Tesla was one of the least.Total recalls (including physical & software update recalls):• Ford: 143• FCA: 48• GM: 26• VW: 23• BMW: 20• Honda: 19• Hyundai: 19• Mercedes: 18• Toyota: 13• Kia: 12• Tesla: 11• Nissan: 9• Volvo: 8• Rivian: 6• Lucid: 3(all automakers aren't in the pie chart below due to a bug on the NHTSA's website) ...

Core Viewpoint - Chinese rare-earth magnet suppliers to U.S. automaker Ford Motor have been included in the first batch of new export licenses issued by Beijing to enhance shipments and alleviate shortages of these essential components [1] Group 1 - The issuance of new export licenses aims to boost shipments of rare-earth magnets [1] - The decision is part of efforts to reduce shortages of vital components for the automotive industry [1]

Group 1 - Ford Motor Company is partnering with Renault SA to develop small, low-cost electric vehicles for Europe and co-produce commercial vans [1][8] - The first compact EV from this partnership will be built in northern France and is expected to reach European showrooms in 2028 [2][8] - Ford's market share in the European passenger car market has decreased from 6.1% in 2019 to 3.3% in 2023, highlighting the need for this alliance to enhance competitiveness [4][8] Group 2 - The collaboration aims to create a European light commercial vehicle (LCV) powerhouse that can effectively compete against Chinese rivals [3] - Ford's share price has increased by 32.1% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry, which has grown by 12.7% [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford's 2025 EPS has decreased by 2 cents in the past week, while the estimate for 2026 EPS has increased by 1 cent [9]

Core Insights - Renault and Ford have announced a strategic partnership in Europe, where Ford will develop two new electric vehicle models based on Renault's Ampere platform, with production taking place in France [1][3] - This collaboration allows Ford to quickly enhance its product lineup during a critical period of electrification in Europe, leveraging Renault's technological capabilities [1][3] Group 1: Strategic Collaboration - The partnership signifies a deeper integration of Chinese research and development capabilities, supply chain efficiency, and cost-effective solutions into Renault's electric vehicle strategy [3][4] - Renault's Ampere platform aims to provide high-cost performance electric vehicle solutions for the European market, utilizing modular and electrification solutions from China [3][4] Group 2: Development and Integration - Renault has established a new Advanced China Development Center (ACDC) to empower the Ampere platform in creating electric products, highlighting the importance of collaboration with Chinese supply chains [4][6] - The integration of Chinese supply chains into the Ampere platform is crucial for reducing self-research costs and enhancing efficiency in key areas such as battery and electric drive systems [6][13] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The collaboration may reshape the competitive landscape for Chinese automotive companies, as European brands like Ford and Renault will leverage Chinese efficiencies, potentially increasing competition for Chinese automakers in Europe [13][14] - The strategic shift of Renault from a traditional manufacturer to an integrator reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where collaboration and resource sharing are becoming essential for competitiveness in the electric vehicle market [9][14]

Core Viewpoint - Renault and Ford have announced a business collaboration to produce Ford-branded electric vehicles (EVs) using Renault's platform in Europe, aiming to enhance cost competitiveness against Chinese automakers [2][4][5]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - The two companies will jointly produce two new Ford-branded EVs, with Ford responsible for design and production taking place at Renault's factory in northern France, expected to launch in early 2028 [4]. - An intention letter has been signed for collaboration in the commercial vehicle sector, considering joint development and production of small commercial vehicles for both Renault and Ford [4]. Group 2: Market Context - The collaboration is driven by the aggressive market entry of Chinese automakers and the slow adoption of EVs in Europe, which is facing an influx of high-cost-performance vehicles from China [5]. - The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs is anticipated to be slower than expected, forcing automakers to invest in both fuel and EV businesses, leading to increased operational burdens [5]. Group 3: Strategic Benefits - For Renault, the partnership will improve factory utilization rates and help control costs [5]. - Ford can leverage Renault's platform technology to expand its business while managing investment levels [5].

【文/观察者网 张菁娟】当福特首席执行官法利（Jim Farley）在巴黎表示，西方汽车制造商正"为生存 而战"时，这家美国汽车巨头与法国雷诺达成的新合作显得意味深长。 据英国《卫报》报道，当地时间12月9日，福特与雷诺正式敲定合作：双方将联合开发面向欧洲市场的 小型、廉价电动汽车，并将联合生产商用货车，以应对日益激烈的竞争。 "我们深知，我们身处的行业正为生存而战。欧洲就是最好的例证。"法利说。 报道称，中国电动汽车制造商的迅速崛起给欧美竞争对手带来了巨大压力，他们凭借高口碑电动汽车， 迅速抢占市场份额，而欧美车企在动力电池汽车研发方面的步伐则相对迟缓。 雷诺首席执行官普罗沃（Françoiss Provost）说："从长远来看，与福特整合双方优势，将使我们在瞬息 万变的欧洲汽车市场中更具创新力和应变能力。" 在科隆生产的Explorer电动车型销量远低于预期。 德新社 法利对中国车企的实力深有体会。他曾在中国试驾过一些中国本土汽车，随即意识到中国汽车的先进性 ——即便目前这些中国汽车尚未登陆美国市场，已形成了潜在的竞争优势。 法利透露，去年他曾让管理团队挑选5款顶尖中国电动车运回美国总部，其中包括他个人青 ...

Group 1 - Ford and Renault have signed a cooperation agreement for two new electric vehicle models, which will be built on the Ampere platform and produced in the ElectriCity electric vehicle city [4] - The new models will be designed by Ford and co-developed with Renault, with the first model expected to hit showrooms in early 2028, marking Ford's new product offensive in the European market [4] - In addition to the electric vehicle collaboration, Renault and Ford have signed a letter of intent to explore joint development and production of specific light commercial vehicles under both brands [4] Group 2 - Renault's CEO François Provost expressed pride in partnering with Ford, highlighting the collaboration as a demonstration of their extensive experience and competitiveness in the European market [4] - Ford's CEO Jim Farley stated that the strategic partnership with Renault is a key step in Ford's development in Europe, aiming to build an efficient and future-oriented business system [4]