Geely's involvement in a series of strategic joint ventures and important technical cooperation agreements with giants like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Renault, and Lotus demonstrates that the Chinese automaker is rising to become a significant technological force, holding key technological solutions for the entire industry, including: advanced hybrid powertrains, smart vehicle platforms, and revolutionary breakthroughs in solid-state batteries.
Although the German brand was responsible for designing the architecture of the M252 1.5 L turbocharged engine, Mercedes-Benz's renowned FAME modular engine line, and setting stringent technical standards, Geely was the unit directly responsible for detailed engineering development and manufacturing in China.
Being entrusted by a luxury car icon like Mercedes-Benz with the engineering and core engine manufacturing for Geely demonstrates Geely's ability to meet the demands of the luxury car segment through its manufacturing capabilities, mechanical precision, and quality standards.
The partnership between Geely and Mercedes-Benz extends beyond innovative internal combustion engines to encompass chassis architecture and electronics for electric vehicles . The Smart brand – a joint venture where Mercedes designs the styling and Geely is responsible for engineering and manufacturing – is further evidence of the Chinese brand's capabilities. The result is the Smart #2 all-electric city car, developed on Geely's proprietary compact electric chassis (ECA) with independent suspension.
Previously, Mercedes-Benz also discussed developing a next-generation electric vehicle platform called "Phoenix" based on Geely's GEEA architecture, expected to launch as early as 2030 to replace the MMA architecture. This move helps the German automaker optimize costs and shorten R&D time, while also affirming Geely's superiority in electric vehicle technology and control software.
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Geely is affirming its scale and capacity to restructure global production through a strategic joint venture with Ford Motor in Spain . |
Following the Volvo acquisition in 2010, Geely (holding 34% of the shares) recently partnered with Ford (holding 66% of the shares) to establish a manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain. This collaboration transforms the facility, with a capacity of 500,000 vehicles per year, into a shared high-tech production center, helping both parties optimize costs and improve operational efficiency. It is expected that from 2028, the joint venture will begin producing new generation low-emission and zero-emission vehicles, including three Ford SUVs and two Geely all-electric models.
In particular, the Valencia project not only secured local jobs but also served as a springboard for Geely to expand its market share in Europe. This influence was reinforced by breakthrough international sales in the first half of 2026, reaching 474,228 vehicles (a 158% increase year-on-year), making Geely one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the world .
In terms of engine technology, Geely's leading role is even more evident through its Horse Powertrain joint venture with the Renault Group.
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Geely is partnering with Renault Group. |
Anticipating the trend toward greener development, Horse Powertrain has developed the "all-in-one" X-Range C15 Direct Drive system (integrating a 4-cylinder engine, gearbox, electric motor, and controller), allowing it to be directly fitted to the rear frame of existing electric vehicle platforms without requiring modifications to the production line.
Simultaneously, the company affirmed its technological prowess with the W30 engine (3.0L twin-turbo V6 hybrid) delivering 536 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, yet weighing only 160 kg – making it the world's lightest and smallest V6 hybrid engine currently available.
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The superiority of the W30 engine from Horse Powertrain convinced Lotus to equip it in the 2028 Emira model. |
Furthermore, Lotus has applied this modular architecture to develop a hybrid V8 engine with over 1,000 PS for the Esprit 2028 supercar. The fact that a renowned sports car brand like Lotus uses engine products from the Geely ecosystem is proof of the group's world-leading engineering capabilities.
Geely's technological landscape would be incomplete without mentioning its pioneering position in battery technology – a factor that will determine the future of the entire automotive industry.
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Geely is pioneering a breakthrough in solid-state battery technology with an energy density of 500 Wh/kg. |
This new breakthrough allows vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries to achieve a range exceeding 1,000 km (621 miles) per charge and a lifespan of up to 1 million km (621,000 miles), dispelling concerns about the durability of electric vehicle batteries. Geely plans to begin pilot testing this technology on models within its ecosystem, including Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Smart, starting in 2027.
In Vietnam, Geely's technological potential has found a breakthrough through a strategic joint venture with Tasco Group. Furthermore, the intelligent SEA and CMA chassis platforms, along with new battery technology, have elevated the electric vehicle experience offered by Tasco Auto, transforming Vietnam into an important automotive export hub in the region. Tasco Auto owns over 150 showrooms and distributes 15 major automotive brands in the Vietnamese market. The brand also controls the smart transportation infrastructure with its "VETC Charging Station" platform. This platform recently reached a milestone of connecting over 350 charging stations nationwide, creating a launching pad for Geely's new energy vehicle lineup in Vietnam.
By pioneering the commercialization of solid-state batteries, proactively collaborating with Western giants like Mercedes-Benz and Ford in engine, chassis, and electronic architecture development, and strategically partnering with Tasco in Vietnam, Geely is demonstrating its stature as a leading corporation in the smart and sustainable mobility revolution for decades to come.