Xingji Meizu, a smartphone company controlled by Geely founder Eric Li, is forming a joint venture with Geely-owned Sweden-based electric vehicle maker Polestar, to develop and sell EVs in the Chinese market with in-car software built upon the former’s operating system. Xingji Meizu will own 51% of the JV and be responsible for arranging its future financing, with Polestar having a 49% stake in the company, according to a Monday statement. Meanwhile, Polestar will transfer around 130 local employees to the new firm, which will become the only sales and customer service entity for the Gothenburg-headquartered automaker in China. Previously, Lynk & Co, another Geely-owned car brand, said on March 24 that its 08 sports utility vehicle would be the first model incorporated with Xingji Meizu’s Flyme Auto operating system. [Polestar announcement]