Ford hopes to sell more than 600,000 vehicles using the MEB framework over a six-year period. A second model -- again, designed for Europe -- is under discussion at the company. "This supports Ford's European strategy, which involves continuing to play on its strengths – including commercial vehicles, compelling crossovers and imported iconic vehicles such as Mustang and Explorer," the company said in a press release. VW, meanwhile, has been working on MEB since 2016 and expects to build 15 million cars using the platform in the next decade. These include the camper-inspired I.D. Buzz and the still-under-wraps ID.3 hatchback.

In addition, VW is pouring $2.6 billion into Argo AI, a self-driving startup based in Pittsburgh. Ford has already invested in the company -- today's announcement means both automakers have an equal stake and, combined, a "substantial majority." Both companies plan to implement Argo AI's system into some of their future cars. Together, that should give Argo AI plenty of data to finesse its system and attract more automaker customers. Ford and VW say they will independently design "purpose-built vehicles to support the distinct people and goods movement initiatives of both companies." The specifics are unclear, but "purpose-built" suggests both companies are interested in driverless delivery and taxi vehicles.

Watch out, Tesla?