The preferred bidder for the Ford Motor Company’s Swedish car making division, Volvo, was a group led by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a corporation that includes the 11^th largest Chinese automaker.

Zhejiang Geely has been trying for years to become a global competitor.

Ford faces a challenge in disposing of the unit without losing technical secrets since Ford and Volvo have been sharing technology for a decade.

Zhejiang Geely would also have to figure out to finance and operate an auto manufacturing subsidiary that is biger than its own and a continent away. Swedish politicians and labour leaders could also come out against the deal. Earlier this year, concern raised by German leaders helped block Beijing Automotive Industry Holding from buying GM’s Opel unit.