DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Hackett and Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess formally announced the launch of a new partnership at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Products of the collaboration will include new mid-size pickups and large vans built by Ford and a compact van built by Volkswagen, both due as early as 2022, and joint development of new mobility services and autonomous and electric vehicle technology.

The effort will be steered by a committee led by Hackett and Diess and staffed by senior executives from both factories. A formal release from Ford made clear no cross-ownership arrangement has been made. Directors predicted “improved annual pretax operating results” in 2023, one year after the planned introduction of the new vehicles, according to Ford’s statement.

“Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society,” Hackett said. “It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.”

“Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions to even better serve millions of customers around the world,” said Diess. “At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness.” 

Ford’s new pickup and van will likely be based on the Ranger and Transit Custom, respectively; VW’s “city van” could be based on the Transporter, Caddy, or Amarok, none of which are currently sold stateside.