Ford and Geely launch joint venture to produce vehicles in Valencia, Spain

Ford Motor Company has agreed to partner with Chinese automaker Geely Auto to create a joint‑venture manufacturing hub at Ford’s existing plant in Valencia, Spain. The partnership, pending regulatory approval, will see Ford hold a 66% stake and Geely 34%, with operations planned to start in the first half of 2027 and vehicle production beginning in 2028. The Valencia facility, capable of around 500,000 units a year, will be re‑configured to build five models for the European market – three multi‑energy models for Ford and two fully electric models for Geely.

Bill Ford, chairman of Ford Motor Company, warned that the United States must prepare to compete directly with Chinese manufacturers, stressing that reliance on tariffs alone will not sustain competitiveness. He highlighted the rapid progress of Chinese firms in electric‑vehicle technology and urged traditional manufacturers to accelerate innovation, cut costs and develop new electric platforms. The Valencia joint venture is part of Ford’s broader effort to improve margins and counter rising Chinese competition in Europe.