SpainFord and Geely are setting up a joint venture at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, the factory that currently builds the Kuga. Ford will hold 66% of the venture and Geely 34%. It is not a sale of the plant - the partnership is meant to fill a site running at roughly a quarter of its capacity, while giving Geely a manufacturing base in Europe.
Kuga could move to Geely’s GEA platform
One of the first projects to come out of the venture could be the next-generation Kuga. According to Auto Express, the new crossover is expected around 2029 and may switch to Geely’s GEA architecture - the same platform underpinning the Geely EX5 and the Starray EM-i. GEA supports electric, hybrid and EREV powertrains, along with multiple drivetrain layouts.
Ford says it plans to start with an electric version, but considers multiple powertrain options important for the European market. One possible reference point is the Starray EM-i’s plug-in hybrid system: a 1.5-litre engine paired with an electric motor, batteries of 18.4 or 29.8 kWh, 262 hp combined, and up to 1,055 km of combined range.
The next Kuga is expected to measure around 4.5 m and will carry Ford’s own design language. The Kuga name itself has not been confirmed for the new model.
The Ford Kuga is a compact SUV built at Ford's Valencia, Spain plant, sold with a mild-hybrid EcoBoost petrol engine, a full hybrid in FWD or AWD, or a plug-in hybrid with around 69 km of electric range. It measures 4,645 mm long on a 2,711 mm wheelbase.
The Geely Starray EM-i is a plug-in hybrid compact SUV on Geely's GEA architecture, the same platform used by the export-market EX5. A 1.5-litre engine and electric motor combine for 262 hp, with 18.4 kWh or 29.8 kWh battery options and up to 1,055 km of combined range with the tank full.
The Geely EX5 is a compact electric SUV and the export version of China's Geely Galaxy E5. A single 218 hp front motor drives all versions, with LFP batteries offering 440, 530 or 610 km of CLTC range. It measures 4,615 mm long on a 2,750 mm wheelbase.
