Ford and Geely Auto Plan Valencia Joint Venture to Build a New Bronco-Family SUV for Europe

VALENCIA, Spain - Ford and Geely Auto plan to form a manufacturing joint venture at Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain, to build passenger vehicles for the European market, the companies said. Nothing built under the agreement is bound for a U.S. showroom, and the first new vehicles are not scheduled to roll off the line until 2028.

Under the proposed ownership structure, Ford would own 66% of the new entity and Geely Auto 34%, pending regulatory approvals, Ford said. The joint venture would begin operations in the first half of 2027, with the first new vehicles scheduled for 2028. Ford said production of the Ford Kuga continues uninterrupted in the meantime.

The line is expected to build a new member of the Bronco family, which Ford describes as a compact, adventure-ready SUV built for European roads; an all-new "multi-energy" crossover that Ford said it designed and jointly developed with Geely; and two electric Geely SUVs. Ford said the first Geely-branded models would roll off the line in 2028. The Bronco name is familiar to U.S. drivers, but Ford said the vehicles are for Europe.

Ford put Valencia's potential annual capacity at "about 500,000 vehicles." The partnership traces to 2010, when Ford sold Volvo Cars to Geely, Ford said. The company said the venture supports its aim of bringing five new passenger vehicles to European showrooms by 2029.