Ford and China’s Geely are in talks over a potential partnership, as the two global automakers look to share the rising costs of increasingly complex technologies and manufacturing, people familiar with the matter said. The discussions include the possibility of Geely using Ford’s factories in Europe to produce vehicles for the European market, according to the sources. The two sides have also explored a potential framework for sharing automotive technologies, including autonomous driving technology, sources added.
The sources said negotiations related to European manufacturing have made more progress. Ford will reportedly sent a delegation to China this week to advance the talks, following a meeting last week in Michigan between Geely executives and Ford leadership.
Discussions between Geely and Ford have been ongoing for several months, sources claimed. Ford said it is in regular discussions with many companies on these matters, adding that some talks lead to agreements while others do not. [Icsmart, in Chinese]