Geely leaves door open to Ford ute technology collaboration
Updated
Updated · carsauce.com · May 4
Geely leaves door open to Ford ute technology collaboration
8 articles · Updated · carsauce.com · May 4
At the Beijing Motor Show, Geely Auto Australia chief Alex Gu said “Why not? Maybe” on future Ranger involvement as Wall Street Journal-reported Ford-Geely talks continue.
The prospect comes as Australia’s NVES tightens for Type 2 vehicles from 180g/km in 2026 to 110g/km by 2029, pressuring Ford’s diesel-heavy Ranger and Everest line-ups.
Geely says it will focus in Australia on EVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrids, while developing a more traditional ute for local buyers rather than importing its current Riddara RD6 unchanged.
Can Ford's Ranger stay 'Aussie-tough' using a platform from its biggest Chinese rival, Geely?
With legacy brands now buying Chinese tech, is the era of Western automotive dominance officially over?
How Ford’s Underutilized European Plants Could Power Geely’s Entry into the Global Pickup Segment
Overview
In 2026, Ford and Geely are actively discussing a partnership focused on using Ford's underutilized European manufacturing capacity, especially in Spain, to produce Geely's new hybrid pickup truck targeted for launch by 2028. This collaboration aims to help Geely overcome Western market barriers like tariffs and localization requirements, while enabling Ford to improve plant efficiency amid tightening emissions regulations in Europe and Australia. The partnership could also involve sharing Geely's advanced electrification technologies, accelerating Ford's electric vehicle development. Political resistance in the US limits collaboration there, making Europe the primary focus. This strategic alliance reflects Geely's asset-light expansion and follows Ford's successful partnership model with Renault, promising competitive advantages in key global markets.