Ford and Geely Auto will establish a Europe-focused manufacturing venture at Ford's Almussafes factory in Valencia, Spain. The agreement gives Ford a 66 percent stake and Geely Auto 34 percent, subject to regulatory approval.
The Ford-Geely joint venture plans to start operations during the first half of 2027. Production of new multi-energy vehicles will follow in 2028, while Ford will continue building the Kuga without interruption.
Valencia Plant Gains a Clearer Production Future
Looking at the data, Valencia has substantial unused manufacturing capacity. The factory can assemble approximately 500,000 vehicles annually, yet it operated at only 26 percent of that capacity during 2025.
Pooling production volume across two brands spreads stamping, painting, assembly, energy and salaried overhead across more vehicles. Consequently, Ford and Geely can reduce the fixed cost attached to each unit without constructing another European factory.
| Joint venture metric | Confirmed figure | Business impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ford ownership | 66 percent | Ford retains operational control |
| Geely Auto ownership | 34 percent | Geely gains its first European production base |
| Annual plant capacity | About 500,000 vehicles | Significant room for higher output |
| 2025 plant utilisation | 26 percent | Roughly 370,000 units of unused annual capacity |
| Current workforce | About 4,200 employees | Staff will transfer to the new venture |
| Venture launch | First half of 2027 | Regulatory approval remains pending |
| New vehicle production | 2028 | Four additional nameplates join the Kuga |
Five Vehicles Will Share the Spanish Factory
The Valencia programme covers five vehicles across two brands:
- Ford Kuga: Current production continues without interruption.
- Compact Ford Bronco: Ford will adapt a new Bronco family member for European roads and start production in 2028.
- Ford multi-energy crossover: Ford will design the family crossover and develop it jointly with Geely. Planned drivetrains include battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric systems.
- Geely EX5: Geely will produce its established electric SUV in Valencia from 2028.
- Second Geely electric SUV: Geely continues developing this model but has released no specifications.
Image gallery
Geely EX5 Provides the First Technical Reference
The current European Geely EX5 electric SUV gives buyers an indication of the vehicle class entering Valencia. Geely may revise specifications before Spanish production begins.
| Geely EX5 specification | Current European figure |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,615 mm / 181.7 inches |
| Width | 1,901 mm / 74.8 inches |
| Height | 1,670 mm / 65.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm / 108.3 inches |
| Usable battery capacity | 60.22 or 68.39 kWh |
| Maximum WLTP range | 267 miles |
| Maximum DC charging rate | 135 kW |
| 30-80 percent charging time | About 20 minutes |
| Luggage capacity | 461-1,877 litres |
| Drive layout | Front-wheel drive |
From an expert perspective, the shared factory gives Ford faster access to Geely's electric architecture, battery systems and software development. Geely gains European production, lower logistics exposure and greater access to regional suppliers.
Should European Buyers Wait Until 2028?
Buyers who need a vehicle before 2028 should continue shopping. Neither company has disclosed final prices, towing capacities, power outputs or order dates for the new crossover and Bronco.
- Add new comment
- 82 views
