Ford Motor Company of the United States and Geely of China are discussing possible cooperation, according to multiple people familiar with the negotiations. The two companies are in talks to let Geely use Ford's factory space in Europe to build cars for the region, according to three people familiar with the matter. Separately, two people familiar with the negotiations said the two sides also discussed a potential framework for sharing vehicle technology, including self-driving technology.
Negotiations around European manufacturing have made further progress, two people familiar with the matter said. Ford is sending a delegation to China this week to intensify negotiations. This follows a meeting between Geely executives and Ford leadership in Michigan last week.
Negotiations between Geely and Ford have been going on for months, five sources said, declining to be named as the talks are ongoing and private.
Geely declined to comment. Ford said: "We have been in discussions with many companies on a variety of topics. Sometimes we end up reaching an agreement, and sometimes we don't."
If it reaches a cooperation with Geely, it may help Ford catch up with global competitors in areas such as connected car technology and autonomous driving, which are Tesla's priority development directions and the focus of Chinese automakers. Ford CEO Jim Farley has publicly stated on many occasions that Ford needs to narrow the competitive gap with Chinese automakers.