Ford and Chinese automotive company Geely Auto announced plans on Thursday to jointly manufacture low- and zero-emission vehicles at Ford’s Valencia, Spain factory.The partnership is a bid to reignite Ford’s offerings for the European auto market as the legacy carmaker seeks to compete with the likes of fast-moving Chinese companies that are rapidly dominating auto sales across the globe. It comes amid challenges for the American electric vehicle market and increasing global geopolitical tensions driven by U.S. tariff policy. In the U.S., policy all but locks Chinese firms out of the market — though American automakers still partner with companies in China for production, and Chinese vehicles are making inroads in North America more broadly.The joint venture, pending regulatory approval, will be owned two-thirds by Ford and one-third by Geely, which also owns brands such as Volvo, Polestar and more.
The two companies said they will focus on five vehicles. Under the partnership, Ford plans to continue production of the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid vehicle, as well as a new Bronco SUV, production for which will begin in 2028. Geely plans to make two electric SUVs at the plant, the first of which is also scheduled to begin production in 2028. The automakers said they will also jointly develop a new “multi-energy” crossover model to arrive in 2028.“The joint venture addresses the new realities of the European market — intense global competition, relentless cost pressure and tightening regulation — resetting Valencia to build at the industry’s emerging cost benchmark,” a release from the two companies said.
