Geely Buys Ford’s Spanish Plant to Build EX2 Crossover for Europe

Chinese automaker Geely has reportedly reached a deal to acquire a Ford production line in Spain, potentially enabling the company to manufacture a multi-energy vehicle—possibly the EX2 crossover—at Ford’s Valencia plant.

According to La Tribuna de Automoción, the agreement involves Geely purchasing an assembly line from Ford’s Spanish facility. The Chinese firm plans to use the facility to produce a vehicle based on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture, a platform that underpins models such as the Galaxy A7 and E5.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has frequently highlighted the competitive threat posed by Chinese automakers, yet this reported deal suggests a closer collaboration with one of them.

What Vehicle Will Geely Build in Spain?

Little is publicly known about the model Geely intends to produce, but La Tribuna de Automoción notes it is internally codenamed 135. The vehicle is expected to be offered with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

Industry speculation suggests the mystery model could be the EX2, a compact electric crossover with the following dimensions:

• Length: 162.8 inches (4135 mm)
• Width: 71.1 inches (1805 mm)
• Height: 61.8 inches (1570 mm)
• Wheelbase: 104.3 inches (2650 mm)

The EX2 is expected to come with battery options of 30.1 kWh and 40.1 kWh, delivering CLTC ranges of 193 miles (310 km) and 255 miles (410 km), respectively. It will feature a rear-mounted motor with outputs of 78 hp (58 kW / 79 PS) and 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS).

Could Ford Also Benefit from the Deal?

While it remains unclear whether the EX2 will be assembled at the Valencia plant, reports indicate Ford may also receive a version of the same platform-based vehicle. Analysts suggest it could serve as a potential successor to the Ford Puma, given their similar dimensions.

Ford and Geely Respond to the Report

Ford has downplayed the report, stating to La Tribuna de Automoción:

“We are constantly in talks with many companies about various topics; sometimes they materialize, sometimes they don’t. Nothing is finalized.”

Similarly, a Geely Europe spokesperson told Automobilwoche:

“We do not comment on speculation.”

However, industry insiders cited by the publication claim the agreement is “largely finalized.”