Ford Europe and the Chinese Geely have sealed a strategic agreement that ensures the manufacturing of five models at the Valencia plant in Almussafes starting from 2028, protecting 4,200 direct jobs.
Ford Europe and the Chinese giant Geely announced on Thursday a strategic alliance that guarantees the continuity of the Almussafes factory (Valencia). The joint venture, which will begin operations in the first half of 2027, will have Ford as the majority partner with 66% of the capital, while Geely will control the remaining 34%. The agreement, under the slogan 'One team, two brands and five vehicles', is a lifeline for a plant that has seen its production fall from 420,000 units in 2016 to just 98,500 in 2025.
The alliance plans to manufacture five models starting in 2028. Specifically, the current Ford Kuga, a new multi-energy model from the Bronco family, a jointly developed vehicle, and two 100% electric models from the Geely brand will be assembled. The aim is to optimise the plant's capacity, which can reach 500,000 annual units, to supply the European market.
The agreement not only protects the 4,200 direct workers at the factory but also guarantees the future of over 15,000 jobs in supplier companies in the region. Unions have described the day as 'historic', although they have warned of the need to respect the current labour agreement of Ford in all new investments.
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has supported the announcement and confirmed the extension of the RED mechanism until the end of 2026 to protect jobs until the new production begins. Additionally, financial collaboration between the central government and the Generalitat Valenciana for the battery assembly project planned for 2026 has been advanced.
The Almussafes plant has gone through years of uncertainty after losing the production of four models. The alliance with Geely comes at a critical moment and represents a change of direction that workers and the auxiliary industry in the area have been urgently awaiting. New hires are already planned, although without specifying deadlines or figures.
For readers interested in the automotive sector, this agreement demonstrates Ford's commitment to maintaining its presence in Europe through alliances with Chinese manufacturers, a growing trend in the industry. Key timelines are: the start of the joint venture in the first half of 2027 and the beginning of production of the five models in 2028. Meanwhile, the RED mechanism will protect jobs until the end of 2026.
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