Ford plans new European SUV based on electrified Geely platform

Image: Ford (illustrative)

The American brand Ford plans to produce a new SUV for Europe in Valencia, Spain. According to Automotive News, the vehicle will be based on the electrified GEA platform from China’s Geely Auto Group. This partnership is part of a joint venture between the two companies.

The Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA) supports both electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The platform serves as the foundation for new models from Geely, including the all-electric SUV EX5 and the plug-in hybrid SUV Starray, which are already available in Europe.

In July, Ford announced it was working on a compact crossover with various powertrain options. The market launch is scheduled for 2029. The new model is intended to stand out with a design and driving dynamics different from Geely’s models, which recall the brand’s racing heritage such as the Escort or Sierra Cosworth.

An Conghui, the new chairman of Geely Auto Group, confirmed the use of the GEA platform during an earnings call in August, according to the report. The factory in Valencia, Spain, is also set to produce models for Geely. The company aims to increase its sales outside China from currently about one third to two thirds.

"We need to further deepen our localization strategy," said An Conghui. Geely plans to start producing two of its own models in Valencia by 2028, beginning with the electric mid-size SUV EX5.

Another Ford project in Valencia, according to Automotive News, is a SUV under the Bronco brand, with production also scheduled for 2028. However, this vehicle is not intended to be based on Geely’s architecture but rather on its own platform, potentially similar to that of the current Kuga.

Geely also aims for greater localization of its supply chain in Europe. This is intended to address EU regulations aimed at promoting the production of electric vehicles within the European Union. Local production could help Geely avoid higher EU tariffs on purely battery-powered cars manufactured in China.

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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions on ecomento.de. Learn more.

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