Ford and Volkswagen today confirmed they will begin a joint venture to build and share vans and pickups from 2022.
They will join forces in a bid to reduce costs and create new ranges of electric and self-driving cars, they announced at the Detroit Motor Show.
Sales will begin in 2022 and will boost profits from 2023 and “Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society,” said Ford boss Jim Hackett.
The joint projects will be overseen by a committee including Mr Hackett and Volkswagen chief executive Herbert Diess.
The companies expect demand for commercial vans and medium-sized pickups to grow.
Ford will design and build medium-sized pickups for both companies and larger commercial vans for European customers, while Volkswagen is to design and build a smaller van.