KATHMANDU: Ford is in discussions with China’s Geely over a potential partnership as global automakers look to share rising technology and manufacturing costs, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters. The talks are ongoing and no agreement has been finalized.
Sources say the companies are discussing a plan that could allow Geely to use Ford’s factory space in Europe to produce vehicles for the region. Discussions have also included sharing vehicle technologies, including systems related to automated and connected driving.
The talks related to European manufacturing are at a more advanced stage, sources said. Ford recently sent a delegation to China to continue discussions. Meetings were also held earlier in Michigan between senior executives from both companies.
Ford confirmed that discussions are taking place but did not provide details. Geely declined to comment. The scope of the talks and whether they could lead to a deal, including for the U.S. market, remains unclear.
Producing vehicles at Ford’s European plants could help Geely avoid European Union tariffs on China-made electric vehicles, which currently go up to 37.6 percent. Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain is said to be the most likely site under discussion.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously acknowledged that Chinese automakers lead in EV and connected vehicle technology. He has emphasized the need for partnerships to close this gap and has said cooperation could be possible if proper safeguards are in place.
Any partnership involving Chinese vehicle technology for the U.S. market would likely face regulatory and political scrutiny, due to existing restrictions on Chinese automotive software and data systems.
Geely, which owns brands such as Zeekr and Lynk & Co, reported a 39 percent increase in sales in 2025, selling over 3 million vehicles. Including affiliated brands like Volvo and Lotus, Geely is the second-largest Chinese automaker after BYD.
Ford has recently increased its focus on partnerships and has already entered EV-related cooperation agreements in Europe with other automakers.
