It has been a week of some confusion for the world’s car makers, and their strategies for the future.

Motor giants Ford and Renault have announced they are to partner with the aim of expanding Ford’s electric vehicles offering to European customers.

They added a cornerstone of the collaboration is a partnership agreement for the development of two distinct Ford-branded electric vehicles. The new models will be based on the Ampere platform, leveraging Renault Group’s strong EV assets and competitiveness, and produced by Renault Group in the North of France.

Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company 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.”

However, while the partnership[ has been launched with much fanfare it comes against a backdrop of a very different view from the consumer.

EY published its EY Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), a global survey examining sentiment and buying intent across major automotive markets. It found global car buyers are putting the brakes on adoption of electric vehicles, with many shifting back to internal combustion engines (ICEs) and reassessing electric vehicle ownership.

Constantin Gall, EY Global aerospace, defence and mobility leader, explained: “Consumers are weighing the realities of policy shifts, cost pressures and uneven charging infrastructure. The long-term trend appears to be a shift away from a purely electric (‘E-only’) approach toward a more diversified future for vehicle powertrains, with different vehicle technologies serving different customer needs.

“We are also seeing a more pragmatic, less ideological policy discussion. Policymakers are returning to a fact-based approach, allowing the market to do what it does best: identify the right solutions for different customers.”

EY added comfort with advanced autonomous capabilities remains limited. Only (26%) of consumers feel comfortable with Level 3 or above, while accident risk (60%), technology failure (51%) and loss of control (50%) remain the top concerns.

Where this leaves the drive for electric vehicles and the future of road transportation is far opaquer than it had been previously thought.

The future has long been thought to be electric vehicles but despite a great deal of hype the message has yet to truly land with motorists.

With thoughts turning to 2026 it will be interesting to see how both government and the motor industry look to win the hearts and minds of the consumer amid fears around range, reliability and costs.

Jon Guy, Editor,

Emerging Risks