Ford and VW have teamed up to build EVs in Europe, and the second model from the pair will get an official reveal this week. The Blue Oval announced that it would show the vehicle on July 10, and it’s expected to sport Ford’s historic Capri nameplate.
The Volkswagen MEB-based vehicle will be a “coupe” SUV as a smaller model than the Explorer EV, which began production in Germany last month. VW’s EV tech will give the Capri EV performance and range estimates close to those of the ID.4, though it will likely offer a shorter range than the Explorer’s 374-mile WLTP range.
Pricing for the EV will probably start at less than the Explorer, which costs around $58,000. The automaker’s Cologne facility has received significant investments and improvements to produce the Capri and Explorer, leading Ford to cut the Fiesta to make room at the facility.
While it might seem odd that Ford chose VW as a partner, the German automaker’s existing platforms and technologies make it a logical fit for Ford. Like Honda did with GM and the Prologue here in the States, Ford leaning on VW instead of spending the time and money to build new electric models from scratch is a prudent business decision that should eventually come with lower-cost models for buyers.
Ford’s European business has had some ups and downs in recent times, with one of its most prominent executives moving to VW. The company implemented a restructuring plan on the Old Continent and is looking to reinvigorate its businesses there, but American EV sales have been strong for the automaker, making it the second best-selling EV company here.
[Images: Ford]
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