Mercedes-Benz may tap Chinese giant Geely for its next electric‑vehicle platform, aiming to cut costs and speed up development. Read more now!
Mercedes‑Benz is reportedly weighing a deeper collaboration with Chinese auto‑maker Geely to develop its next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). The move could help the German luxury brand accelerate research, slash engineering costs and stay competitive in the fast‑moving global EV race.
Why the partnership matters
Chinese media outlets say early‑stage talks have already taken place, focusing on how Geely’s technologies could be integrated into future Mercedes‑Benz EVs. By borrowing selected components from its Chinese partner, Mercedes hopes to shorten development cycles and reduce the expense of building a brand‑new platform from scratch.
While Geely has declined to comment, a Mercedes‑Benz spokesperson confirmed that the company is “continually exploring ways to speed up and enhance R&D efficiency, both in China and worldwide.” However, the automaker stressed that no formal agreement on sharing a vehicle architecture has been signed yet.
Existing ties via the Smart brand
The two manufacturers are not strangers. Through the Smart brand, Mercedes‑Benz and Geely have been cooperating for years. Originally known for compact city cars, Smart is now being repositioned as a fully electric marque. Mercedes handles the design language, while Geely takes charge of engineering, production and supply‑chain management.
Potential new “Phoenix” platform
Another Chinese report suggests Mercedes‑Benz could base a next‑generation EV platform on Geely’s GEA (Electric‑Architecture) system. Codenamed “Phoenix,” the platform would target mass‑market electric models for worldwide launch, potentially as early as 2030, and could replace Mercedes’s current MMA architecture.
Industry context
Mercedes‑Benz’s exploratory steps contrast with Volkswagen’s recent alliance with Xpeng, which is jointly developing a new EV architecture for upcoming models, including an ID‑branded sedan. Meanwhile, Chinese players such as BYD, Geely and Chery are rapidly advancing battery and motor technologies, putting pressure on traditional European manufacturers to innovate or partner.
Whether the rumored collaboration will materialise into a shared platform or remain a strategic technology exchange remains to be seen. What is clear is that Mercedes‑Benz is keen to leverage the expertise of China’s fast‑growing auto sector to keep its EV ambitions on track.