Geely and Ford form Spain JV for Valencia production

Long-term future for the plant

Pending regulatory approvals, the joint venture is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027, with the first new vehicles scheduled to roll off the production line in 2028.

The Valencia facility, described as one of Europe’s most productive and advanced automotive plants, has a potential annual capacity of around 500,000 units. The new partnership is expected to improve factory utilisation, share development costs and provide long-term stability and future employment opportunities for Valencia’s automotive workforce.

Under the proposed ownership structure, Ford will own 66 per cent of the new entity, while Geely Auto will own 34 per cent.

Low- and zero-emission focus

The plant will produce a new generation of low- and zero-emission vehicles for European markets. Geely Auto plans to build two new energy models at the Valencia plant, with the first scheduled for 2028.

The announcement follows strong overseas growth for Geely Auto, which recorded 474,228 international sales in the first half of 2026, a 158 per cent year-on-year increase.

Geely says the partnership builds on a relationship dating back to 2010, when Ford sold Volvo Cars to Geely. Both companies point to shared priorities around quality, cost-efficient sourcing, continuous improvement and customer choice during the energy transition.

Ford and Geely statements

Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group, said the cooperation with Ford is an important step in open collaboration and a milestone in Geely Auto’s global development. He said Geely aims to deliver vehicles European customers choose for their features, quality and contribution to Europe’s green future.

Jim Baumbick, president of Ford Europe, said Valencia has built some of Ford’s most loved cars for nearly 50 years and will now help build the company’s future. He added that the partnership supports Ford’s vision to offer European drivers rally-bred handling, true off-road capability and multi-energy technology with distinct Blue Oval DNA.

What it means

For Ford, the joint venture helps secure the future of its Valencia operations while supporting a broader European product push. For Geely, it creates a local manufacturing base in Europe as the brand continues to expand internationally.

With operations planned for 2027 and production scheduled from 2028, the Valencia plant is set to become a key European hub for Ford and Geely-branded low- and zero-emission vehicles.