Ford to use Geely’s GEA platform for new SUV
Ford’s decision to develop a new European SUV using Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA) platform marks one of the most significant automotive partnerships in Europe in recent years. The agreement not only provides Ford with access to a modern multi-energy vehicle architecture but also secures the future of its Valencia manufacturing plant in Spain while giving Geely a major foothold in European vehicle production.
The new Ford SUV will be built at Ford’s Almussafes plant in Valencia as part of a joint venture between Ford and Geely. Under the agreement, Ford will hold a 66% stake in the venture, while Geely will own 34%. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028 following regulatory approval and the formal launch of the joint venture in 2027.
Why Ford Is Turning to Geely
The partnership reflects the changing economics of the European automotive market. Rising manufacturing costs, increasingly stringent emissions regulations and growing competition from Chinese manufacturers have made it difficult for legacy carmakers to justify developing dedicated platforms for every model.
Rather than investing billions in an all-new architecture, Ford will utilise Geely’s GEA platform, which has been designed to support multiple powertrain technologies. Reports from Spain indicate the architecture can accommodate full hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, giving Ford flexibility as consumer demand remains mixed across Europe.
This is particularly important because Ford has recently softened its all-electric ambitions in Europe, recognising that many customers still want hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The new SUV is therefore expected to be a “multi-energy” model capable of being offered with different powertrain options depending on market demand.
What Will the New Ford SUV Be?
Ford has confirmed that the vehicle will be an all-new family crossover designed by Ford and jointly developed with Geely. Production will start in 2028 and the model will form part of Ford’s wider plan to launch five new passenger vehicles in Europe by 2029.
Although Ford has not released technical specifications, industry reports suggest the crossover will share the GEA platform with two Geely SUVs also scheduled for production in Valencia. Sources in Spain describe the three vehicles as family-sized models sharing a common architecture while retaining distinct brand identities.
The GEA platform is expected to provide Ford with advanced software capabilities, modern electrical architecture and lower development costs. For fleet operators, this could result in competitive pricing and improved technology levels compared with vehicles developed solely in-house.
Where Will It Be Built?
The new SUV will be manufactured at Ford’s Valencia facility in Spain, one of Europe’s most established automotive plants. The site currently builds the Ford Kuga and has an annual capacity of around 500,000 vehicles. Under the joint venture, Valencia will become a shared production hub for both Ford and Geely.
The plant will eventually produce five key vehicles: the existing Kuga, a new Bronco family model, Ford’s new crossover, and two Geely electric SUVs. The strategy is designed to maximise factory utilisation and reduce manufacturing costs by spreading investment across multiple models and brands.
For Valencia, the agreement is a major boost. Production at the plant has fallen sharply in recent years, and both companies say the partnership will create long-term stability and potentially support future employment growth.
What Ford and Geely Are Saying
Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, said: “For nearly 50 years, Valencia has built some of the most-loved cars in our history, and now this team will help build our future.”
He added that the partnership would help Ford create “a flexible, cost-effective industrial system” capable of matching the industry’s emerging cost benchmarks while delivering vehicles that retain Ford’s distinctive character.
Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group, described the agreement as a major step forward for the Chinese manufacturer’s European ambitions, stating: “We are building cars in Europe, for Europe, alongside a trusted partner.”
The comments underline the strategic importance of the venture. Ford gains access to a cost-effective and flexible vehicle architecture, while Geely gains local manufacturing capacity that could help it avoid tariffs on imported Chinese-built EVs and strengthen its position in Europe.
Why This Matters
The Ford-Geely partnership could become a blueprint for future automotive collaborations. Rather than competing directly, manufacturers are increasingly sharing platforms, factories and development costs to remain competitive in an industry undergoing rapid technological change.
For Ford, the deal provides a route to launch new hybrid and electric vehicles more quickly and profitably. For Geely, it delivers its first significant manufacturing base in Europe. For fleet operators and consumers, it should result in a broader range of competitively priced electrified vehicles built locally for European markets.
While many details of Ford’s new SUV remain under wraps, one thing is clear: the use of Geely’s GEA platform represents a significant shift in how major global manufacturers approach vehicle development. In an increasingly competitive market, collaboration may prove just as important as innovation.
