Ford will manufacture a new compact SUV at its Almussafes plant, using Geely’s GEA platform and offering both hybrid and electric options. The move marks a major shift for the Spanish factory and its workforce.
Ford has confirmed it will produce a new compact SUV at its Almussafes facility near Valencia, leveraging the GEA platform developed by Chinese automaker Geely. This decision follows a landmark agreement between the two companies, aiming to revitalize a plant that has seen its production lines dwindle in recent years.
The upcoming model, described by Ford as a rally-inspired crossover, will be available with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains—two configurations supported by Geely’s flexible GEA architecture. While Ford has not revealed the vehicle’s name or full specifications, the company emphasized that its design will set it apart from existing Geely models, despite sharing core components.
This partnership will transform the Valencia plant into a high-tech, shared manufacturing hub, providing greater job security for the region’s skilled automotive workforce.
For the workforce in Almussafes, the announcement brings a rare dose of optimism. The plant, once a cornerstone of Ford’s European operations, has lost four major models from its production roster in recent years, including the Mondeo, S-MAX, Galaxy, and Transit. Until now, only the Kuga remained in production, leaving the factory operating at a fraction of its capacity.
According to Geely chairman An Conghui, the partnership will see Ford utilize the GEA platform for its new European SUV, as reported by Automotive News. The same platform underpins several Geely vehicles, such as the all-electric EX5 and the plug-in hybrid Starray, which is already available in Spain.
The first Geely model expected to roll off the Almussafes line is the EX2, a fully electric SUV, with additional models planned for the future. The collaboration is structured as a joint venture, with Ford holding a 66% stake and Geely Auto owning 34%. Both companies have stated that the partnership will transform the Valencia plant into a high-tech, shared manufacturing hub, optimizing resources and providing greater job security for the region’s skilled automotive workforce.
Ford’s new rally-inspired SUV will be produced alongside a future Bronco model, scheduled for launch in 2028, though the Bronco will use a different platform. Geely has also confirmed plans to manufacture two new energy vehicles at the Spanish site, with the first expected to enter production in 2028. The joint venture aims to deliver three multi-energy Ford vehicles, though further details remain under wraps.
In recent years, Almussafes has faced significant challenges, including four rounds of layoffs between 2020 and 2024, leaving the workforce at around 4,300 employees. The new partnership is seen as a strategic move to stabilize employment and secure the plant’s future.
This development reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where traditional manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with technology-driven partners to accelerate electrification. Similar shifts have been seen elsewhere, such as Mercedes-AMG’s move into electric performance vehicles, as highlighted in this recent report on the electric AMG GT 4-Door.
Industry observers note that the Ford-Geely alliance could serve as a model for other European plants facing underutilization and the pressures of the electric transition. For Valencia, the partnership offers a rare opportunity to redefine its role in the next era of car manufacturing.
