Mercedes-Benz has begun developing a new electric vehicle platform in China, leveraging Geely’s electrical architecture. For the first time in the company’s 130-year history, Mercedes-Benz has granted independent development authority for a vehicle platform to an overseas research center. The automaker’s Chinese R&D hub will serve as the global headquarters for compact vehicle development, while the German center will continue to focus on mid-size and large vehicles.
Codenamed “Phoenix,” the new platform is designed to underpin entry-level electric vehicles worldwide. Scheduled to enter production around 2030, Phoenix will integrate Geely’s GEEA electrical architecture, replacing Mercedes-Benz’s current Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. When complete, it will support compact models such as the A-Class, B-Class, GLA, GLB and CLA for global markets.
Mercedes-Benz executives have visited Geely’s Hangzhou Bay R&D Center since late January to negotiate collaboration on vehicle electronics and electrical architecture. The electronic and electrical (EE) architecture is a foundational element of modern connected vehicles, enabling advanced driver assistance systems, smart cockpit features and over-the-air updates.
Industry sources indicate that proof-of-concept testing is underway using Geely’s GEEA 4.0 architecture, which accommodates both traditional and electric powertrains. Earlier versions—such as GEEA 3.0, which debuted in Geely’s Galaxy E5 in 2024—have already supported more than one million unit sales.
Cost reduction appears to be a primary driver of this strategic shift. Insiders note that over the past two years, Mercedes-Benz has studied China’s manufacturing efficiencies and conducted a teardown analysis of the Geely-backed Zeekr 001. Engineers praised its technical quality and noted its significantly lower production cost compared to similar Mercedes models. Late last year, CEO Ola Källenius led meetings focused on reducing costs and improving profitability as central elements of the company’s future strategy.
This collaboration is part of a broader trend in which global automakers are seeking Chinese expertise in intelligent electric vehicle development. Recent partnerships include Volkswagen with Xpeng, Stellantis with Leapmotor and Renault with Geely, while Ford is reportedly in talks with Geely on autonomous driving systems and connectivity software. This marks a reversal of the traditional technology flow, with Chinese firms now exporting core platforms and digital know-how to established global manufacturers.
Source: CarNewsChina
