GEELY AUTO(HK:00175) 起点锂电·2025-12-06 10:14Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic partnership between SK On and Geely Automobile Group, focusing on the establishment of a joint venture for the production of square lithium iron phosphate batteries, which aims to enhance both companies' competitiveness in the electric vehicle market [3][5][6]. Group 1: Partnership Development Timeline - The collaboration between SK On and Geely began in November 2023 with a battery module supply agreement for Geely's Polestar 5 model starting in 2025 [3]. - In June 2024, a strategic cooperation framework agreement was signed, expanding their collaboration to electric vehicle batteries and green methanol energy technology [3]. - By July 2024, discussions were ongoing regarding battery supply contracts, but negotiations faced interruptions due to declining electric vehicle demand and U.S. tariffs [3]. - In the third quarter of 2025, SK On formed a special task force to revive negotiations, focusing on converting existing facilities in Hungary into a joint production base [3][4]. Group 2: Production Capacity and Market Strategy - The proposed joint venture will transform SK On's existing factories in Komárom, Hungary, which have capacities of 7.5 GWh and 10 GWh, primarily supplying soft-pack batteries to European automakers [4]. - This partnership is crucial for SK On to optimize its production capacity and gain financial support from Geely, especially in light of the current downturn in electric vehicle demand [4][5]. - The joint venture is expected to prioritize orders from Geely in the European market, enhancing SK On's business presence in Europe [5]. Group 3: Financial and Operational Implications - SK On reported a revenue of 1.81 trillion KRW in Q3 2025, with an operating loss of 124.8 billion KRW, highlighting the financial pressures the company faces [5]. - The partnership with Geely allows for shared production facilities, reducing capital investment and operational costs for Geely in Europe, where there is a preference for brownfield investments [5][6]. - Geely aims to increase its self-supply ratio of battery cells to 30% within two years while maintaining a 70% external procurement ratio, balancing technology independence and supply chain stability [6].