What was the focus of the talks between Ford and Geely?

The talks between Ford and Geely focused on sharing manufacturing capacity in Europe, specifically concerning the use of Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain.

Does Ford plan to share technology with Geely?

No, the discussions between Ford and Geely explicitly excluded the potential for sharing technologies such as automated driving.

What is Ford's broader strategy regarding EV manufacturing?

Ford is seeking new global partnerships and overhauling its electric vehicle strategy, which has included discussions with Chinese automakers about collaboration.

Home / Business and Economy / Ford Eyes Geely's Spanish Plant for EV Strategy Shift

Ford Eyes Geely's Spanish Plant for EV Strategy Shift

4 Feb

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Summary

Ford discussed manufacturing capacity sharing in Europe with Geely.
The Valencia plant has underutilized capacity, producing one model.
Talks exclude technology sharing like automated driving.

Ford Eyes Geely's Spanish Plant for EV Strategy Shift

Ford Motor Co. has entered into preliminary discussions with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group concerning manufacturing collaboration in Europe. The central point of negotiation involves the potential sharing of Ford's underutilized assembly plant located in Valencia, Spain. This initiative is a component of Ford's strategic redirection toward electric vehicles and its pursuit of global partnerships.

The talks, which occurred recently when Ford executives visited China, specifically exclude the possibility of sharing advanced technologies like automated driving. The Valencia facility currently produces only the Ford Kuga SUV, with its planned annual capacity significantly exceeding recent output. Geely, a major automotive group that also owns Volvo and Lotus, has indicated a strategy to leverage existing facilities or partner with others to avoid expanding its own plant network due to global overcapacity.