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Ford to Build New SUV on Geely Platform at Spanish Plant
Ford will produce a new compact crossover using Geely's GEA platform at its Valencia factory, with production starting in 2028. The model will feature multi-energy drivetrains and rally-bred styling, marking a deepening partnership between the two automakers.
By Eleanor Ellington · 3 min read
Ford has confirmed it will develop a new compact SUV based on Geely's Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA), a platform currently used by the Chinese automaker's EX5 electric vehicle and Starray plug-in hybrid. The announcement follows a partnership agreement struck in July, under which Geely will begin assembling vehicles at Ford's underutilised Valencia plant in Spain.
The new Ford model, described as a compact crossover with "multi-energy" drivetrain options, will be offered as both a hybrid and an electric vehicle, reflecting the flexibility of the GEA platform. Ford has also stated that the SUV will feature "rally-bred" styling to distinguish it from Geely's own models, despite sharing the same underlying architecture. The vehicle is expected to enter production in 2028, alongside a Bronco-branded SUV that will use a different platform.
Geely Auto Group chairman An Conghui confirmed the platform-sharing arrangement during an earnings call last week, according to Auto News. The deal marks a significant step in Geely's European expansion and provides Ford with a cost-effective way to introduce new electrified models. Geely has said it will build two new energy models at the Valencia site, with the first vehicle expected to roll off the line in 2028. The joint venture is anticipated to produce three Ford-branded multi-energy vehicles, although further details have not yet been disclosed.
The Valencia factory has been operating at less than a quarter of its annual capacity for several years, making the partnership a strategic move to revitalise the plant. Geely Auto Group vice president Alex Nan described the collaboration as "an important step towards open collaboration" and "mutually beneficial to both parties," adding that it "represents a milestone in Geely Auto's global development and will further solidify Geely's presence in Europe."
The first Geely model to be built at the site is expected to be the all-electric EX2, with additional models to follow. Ford's decision to adopt Geely's platform underscores the growing trend of automakers sharing technology to reduce development costs and accelerate the transition to electric mobility. The partnership also highlights the increasing integration of Chinese automotive technology into European manufacturing, as traditional automakers seek to compete in the rapidly evolving EV market.
