Geely plans to manufacture in Valencia a massive 5.08-meter long, plug-in hybrid SUV with over 1,100 horsepower for a key reason

17/09/2026 15:30

Updated to

17/09/2026 15:30

Ford’s factory in Almussafes might soon start producing one of the most impressive cars Geely is preparing for Europe. The Chinese manufacturer is considering building there its new plug-in hybrid SUV with an independent chassis, internally referred to as KO11 and launched in China as the Galaxy Cruiser 700, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans cited by Automotive News Europe.

This decision also carries significant commercial advantages. Producing in Spain would allow Geely to avoid potential EU tariffs on plug-in hybrids manufactured in China. Its commercial launch in Europe is scheduled for 2028, though the company has not yet revealed what name the model will carry outside its home market.

A massive PHEV with over 1,100 horsepower that could be manufactured in Valencia

The KO11 would represent a significant step forward for Geely’s operations in Europe. It would be the company’s first vehicle with a body-on-frame design produced on the continent, building on the agreement announced in July between Ford and Geely to jointly operate the Valencia factory. Shared production is set to begin in 2028.

The new SUV is very different from the models that Geely currently sells in our market. It measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,895 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. It uses the GTA (Geely Terrain Architecture), developed specifically for electrified vehicles with an independent chassis and off-road capabilities.

Its ground clearance reaches 233 mm, allowing it to cross water up to 800 mm deep. The design also clearly reflects its aspirations, with robust square shapes inspired by models such as the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes Classe G, or Ford Bronco.

Geely describes it as its first AI-powered SUV. Its features will include electronic steering and braking, along with a four-wheel drive system. For the Chinese version, there is also talk of a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with three electric motors—one in the front and two in the back—which could generate up to 1,120 horsepower.

Geely aims to expand from four to 16 models in Europe

The possible Spanish production also shows just how quickly Geely is accelerating its plans for Europe. The expansion of its model lineup will be equally significant. Geely aims to increase the number of models from the current four to as many as 16 by 2028. The KO11 will be part of this expansion, along with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles across different segments. The brand has already begun this expansion with the plug-in hybrid SUV Starray and the electric vehicle E5, while the compact electric car E2 will arrive this month. The launch of Monjaro, another larger plug-in hybrid SUV, is also scheduled before the end of the year.

Manufacturing some of these cars locally could become a key part of the strategy. In the case of the KO11, Automotive News notes that it would allow avoidance of upcoming European tariffs on PHEVs from China, while Geely could leverage an existing factory and Ford’s industrial expertise in Europe.

Almussafes gains prominence in Ford and Geely’s plans

Ford and Geely had already announced that the Valencia factory would produce vehicles from the Chinese company based on its GEA electrified platform. Ford will also use this architecture for one of its future SUVs, although the KO11 relies on the different GTA platform and there is still no definitive confirmation that it will be manufactured in Almussafes.

Ford Europe has actually refused to comment on the possibility. The American company also does not currently produce vehicles with independent chassis in Europe. For example, the Ranger comes from Ford’s Silverton plant in South Africa. Separately, Ford plans to produce a new SUV under the Bronco brand in Valencia starting in 2028, which will use its own platform rather than Geely’s architecture.

Therefore, the Spanish production of the KO11 is still under consideration. But its potential arrival demonstrates the scale that the partnership between the two manufacturers is reaching. Geely aims to quadruple its European lineup in just two years, and after selling 1,316 to 17,283 cars in the first seven months of the year, local production could be the next step to further accelerate its growth in Europe.