Ford Fiesta could return as Renault-built electric car

The Ford Fiesta is potentially poised for a revival thanks to a new agreement between Ford and Renault Group, bringing two new electric cars along with new vans.

The two car making giants have signed a partnership deal, allowing Ford to design electric vehicles based on Renault’s Ampere platform that will then be built in northern France by Renault Group. The first of these cars will arrive in early 2028.

It’s the same platform that sits under the hugely popular Renault 5 E-Tech, as well as the Renault 4 E-Tech and forthcoming Twingo revival.

The two new electric cars are said to be “affordable” and feature “distinctive driving dynamics, authentic Ford-brand DNA and intuitive experiences” in a joint statement released by both brands.

The announcement paves the way for Ford to revive the iconic Fiesta nameplate for a new small EV, sharing its platform and components with the Renault 5. The second vehicle is tipped to be a slightly larger small SUV in the vein of the Renault 4, but no timeframe for its arrival has been revealed.

The move is part of a “comprehensive new product offensive for Ford in Europe”. The company’s market share in the region is currently less than 4%, down from a high of 12%, in part due to the axing of the formerly best-selling Fiesta in 2023 and the Focus in 2025.

Lower-than-expected demand for Ford’s larger EVs, the Capri and Explorer, forced Ford to cut 1000 jobs at its factory in Cologne, Germany and reduce production back in September.

Alongside the electric car deal, Ford and Renault have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on light commercial vehicles in Europe – specifically to design Ford and Renault-branded vans. No timeframe on these vehicles has been released.

Ford has already partnered with Volkswagen on larger commercial vehicles, with Ford building the latest Volkswagen Amarok and Transporter alongside its related Ranger pick-up and Transit models.

As part of the announcement, Ford’s president and CEO, Jim Farley, said "The strategic partnership with Renault Group marks an important step for Ford and supports our strategy to build a highly efficient and fit-for-the future business in Europe.

“We will combine Renault Group’s industrial scale and EV assets with Ford’s iconic design and driving dynamics to create vehicles that are fun, capable, and distinctly Ford in spirit.”

These new commercial vehicles may not be electric, with Farley voicing support in the Financial Times for recent news that the EU could delay the new petrol and diesel car ban to 2040 - up from 2035.

In the article, Farley also described the UK’s Autumn Budget announcement of a pay-per-mile EV tax as like having “one foot on the gas, one on the brake”.

Is the Ford Fiesta ST coming back?

The deal between Ford and Renault Group (which also owns Alpine) could well include the return of one of Europe’s most successful hot hatchbacks: the Fiesta ST.

The Ampere platform includes the Alpine A290 hot hatch, which is closely related to the Renault 5. That car puts up to 220hp through the front wheels, with upgraded suspension, a wider track and various technical trickery to enhance the driving experience.