Ford to partner with Chinese automaker Geely in Spain in new joint venture

Ford will partner with Chinese automaker Geely in Spain in a new joint venture focused on low- and zero-emission vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant. The companies announced the plan Thursday, aiming to renew Ford’s position in Europe as Chinese manufacturers gain momentum with hybrids and pure electric vehicles at competitive prices. The partnership is set to be owned two-thirds by Ford and one-third by Geely and is pending regulatory approval. Ford said it will continue producing the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid and will also produce a new Bronco SUV starting in 2028. Geely plans two electric SUVs at Valencia, with the first also due in 2028, and the pair will jointly develop a new “multi-energy” crossover model arriving in 2028. Ford’s European sales have fallen from more than 1 million vehicles a decade ago to under half a million last year. The move is framed as addressing cost pressure and tightening regulation amid geopolitical tensions.