Mercedes-Benz and Geely Explore Deeper Collaboration, Focusing on EV Development

According to a Bloomberg report on March 13, Mercedes-Benz is in early discussions with Geely to deepen their collaboration, focusing on next-generation electric vehicle (EV) projects aimed at improving R&D efficiency and reducing costs for models sold in China. China is Mercedes-Benz’s largest single market globally, and facing intense competition from domestic automakers—characterized by rapid product iteration and aggressive pricing—Mercedes-Benz hopes to leverage Geely’s technical and engineering resources to accelerate its development process. The two sides have not yet discussed platform sharing, and the talks may not necessarily lead to a formal agreement. Notably, Mercedes-Benz’s primary joint venture partner in China remains BAIC Group, while Li Shufu, Geely’s founder, is a significant shareholder in Mercedes-Benz. The two companies have already successfully collaborated on the smart brand, with Mercedes-Benz leading design and Geely handling engineering and production. Additionally, reports suggest Mercedes-Benz plans to develop a new EV platform based on Geely’s GEEA 4.0 electronic and electrical architecture, which supports both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles, potentially further enhancing synergy between the two companies. Geely has declined to comment on the matter.