Carmakers Ford and Volkswagen have agreed to co-operate on the development of vans and pickup trucks in a concerted effort to reduce costs.
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.
The two companies also said that they would look into co-operating on developing electric and self-driving cars.
However, both Ford and Volkswagen made it clear that the deal is not a merger.
Announcing the deal at the Detroit Motor Show, they stressed that the companies will not own any shares in each other.
Sales from the partnership will begin in 2022 and will boost profits from 2023, the carmakers predict.
"Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society," Ford boss Jim Hackett said.
The joint projects will be overseen by a committee including Mr Hackett and Volkswagen chief executive Herbert Diess.
