Geely brings its electric vehicles to European factories
Like many other manufacturers from China, Geely also aims to locate production in Europe to respond more quickly to the needs of the Old Continent’s markets. It has set a strategy that is expected to be completed within four years. The first step is in Valencia, with a lineup that will grow to 16 models.
For Geely, Europe should not be just a market where cars built in China are sold. It must also become a place where they are produced. The group has set an ambitious goal: within three to four years, a large portion of the vehicles sold on the Old Continent could come from European factories.
Starting in Spain, alongside Ford
As mentioned, the first stop is Valencia, Spain, where Geely will share the production capacity of the Ford facility through a joint venture. According to Zack Zhang, the brand’s product manager for Europe, as told to Automotive News Europe, pilot production will begin in mid-2027, with mass production scheduled for 2028.
Geely EX5
Photo by: Geely
The EX5, an electric SUV already part of the European lineup, will be the first model launched. A second model will be announced soon.
All the advantages of coming to Europe
The decision is primarily driven by economic considerations. Electric vehicles imported from China are subject to additional tariffs imposed by the European Union. Starting December 1, a quota on hybrid car imports agreed upon with Beijing is also set to take effect: 350,000 vehicles in the first year, with a 6% annual increase.
Building production within European territory would allow Geely to reduce its exposure to these barriers and prepare for potentially stricter rules regarding local content. However, key aspects still need to be determined, from the proportion of components produced in Europe to the possible use of imported assembly kits. It is not ruled out that some Chinese suppliers will follow suit by establishing factories on the continent as well.
Geely E2: compact electric vehicle that made its debut at the Paris Motor Show
Photo by: Geely
An expansion already underway
The industrial strategy supports rapid commercial growth. In the first nine months of 2026, Geely sold over 31,000 vehicles in Europe, driven primarily by the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid. The network now has more than 350 contracted dealerships.
The product lineup is also set to expand: from the current four models, the count will rise to ten by 2027 and, according to plans, to sixteen by 2028, including both electric and hybrid vehicles.
For Ford, meanwhile, the deal promises to make better use of Valencia and share industrial costs. It reflects how much the European automotive industry is changing: Chinese brands no longer seek only customers but a stable place within its production chain. And Geely, which is also working on other partnerships and already has extensive experience in Europe with brands it owns—such as Volvo and Lotus—to name a few—could soon play a major role.
About Geely
Photo gallery: Geely E2 (2026)