Automotive Manufacturing: Ford and Geely have confirmed a joint venture to build new energy vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant, with operations due in H1 2027 and first cars in 2028—Geely will make two models and Ford three, aiming to secure capacity and jobs. EV Market Signals: Volkswagen and XPeng have started mass production of their first jointly developed EV in China, underscoring how Western automakers are leaning on Chinese platforms and supply chains. Industrial Policy & Compliance: Sweden plans a national ban on “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in consumer products from 2028, ahead of expected EU-wide restrictions. Packaging Regulation: ELIPSO warns brands not to push PPWR Declaration of Conformity reporting duties onto suppliers, stressing legal responsibility stays with brand owners. Cybersecurity for Industry: US agencies say Iranian-affiliated hackers expanded an industrial control campaign beyond Rockwell to Siemens and Schneider PLCs, using vendor software to falsify sensor readings and disable safety alarms. Rare Earths Supply Chain: USA Rare Earth and InfraVia will take minority stakes in France’s Carester to strengthen European rare-earth processing and oxide access. Manufacturing Tech in Defense: The EDF-backed DISCMAM project is moving toward digital qualification for on-site metal additive parts, targeting faster, trusted spares for defense platforms. Energy Transition (Wind): BW Ideol and NGE will co-develop a serial fabrication line for floating wind foundations in Fos-sur-Mer, aiming for about 30 floaters per year.