Ford, Geely in talks over manufacturing and technology collaboration, report says

• Ford and Geely are discussing a potential partnership as both companies seek to share technology and manufacturing costs, Reuters reported.
• The two parties are exploring the possibility of Geely utilizing Ford's European factory space to produce vehicles for the European market.

Ford Motor and Geely Auto (HKG: 0175, OTCMKTS: GELYF) are discussing a potential partnership to share heavier technology and manufacturing costs, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing eight people familiar with the matter.

Three of the people said the companies are discussing Geely using Ford's European factory space to produce vehicles for the European market.

Two people said discussions also covered a potential framework for sharing automotive technologies, including autonomous driving, according to Reuters.

Negotiations around European manufacturing are progressing more smoothly, two sources indicated. One source said Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain, would most likely be the facility under consideration.

Some sources revealed Ford sent a delegation to China this week to intensify talks. Previously, Geely executives and Ford leaders met in Michigan last week, Reuters reported.

Negotiations between Geely and Ford have been ongoing for months, according to the report.

Geely declined to comment. Ford said it regularly engages in discussions with numerous companies on various topics, sometimes leading to agreements and sometimes not, the report noted.

On February 1, the Financial Times reported that Ford had held talks with Xiaomi regarding EV cooperation, exploring the possibility of establishing a joint venture to produce EVs in the US. Both Ford and Xiaomi subsequently denied the report.

Geely is one of China's largest automakers. Geely Auto sold 3.02 million vehicles in 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 38.96%, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

Geely Auto exported 419,465 vehicles in 2025, a 1.56% increase year-on-year.

Geely Holding Group aims to achieve annual global sales of 6.5 million vehicles by 2030, CEO Andy An said last month.

This target encompasses the group's own brands — including Geely Auto, and Zeekr, as well as brands it holds stakes in, including Volvo Car, Polestar, and Proton.

Geely sells 270,167 vehicles in Jan, up 1.29% year-on-year

Geely Auto exported a record 60,506 vehicles in January, a 121.20% increase year-on-year.

Geely

Feb 1, 2026