MILAN: Stellantis and China’s Dongfeng Group have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to expand their 34-year partnership, aiming to create a Europe-based joint venture focused on the sales and distribution of Dongfeng’s new energy vehicles, the companies said.
The proposed Stellantis-led venture would be structured as a 51/49 split and would initially target designated European markets with Dongfeng’s Voyah-branded premium NEVs, leveraging Stellantis’ existing network and after-sales capabilities. The entity would also oversee joint purchasing and engineering activities, tapping into Dongfeng’s Chinese NEV supply chain.
The partners are also considering potential production of Dongfeng NEVs at Stellantis’ Rennes plant in France, subject to European regulations and Made-in-Europe requirements.
“The plans we are announcing today take our recently strengthened cooperation with Dongfeng to an all-new dimension of an international partnership,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO.
Dongfeng Chairman Qing Yang said the move aligns with China’s strategies of high-level opening up and dual circulation, adding that it would “unlock greater value from the joint venture, accelerate Dongfeng’s global expansion, and support Stellantis’ global strategic shift and China presence.”
Earlier this month, the companies announced the strengthening of their longtime China-based Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co. joint venture, which will produce Peugeot and Jeep-branded NEVs at its Wuhan plant for both China and export markets starting in 2027. That venture has produced more than 6.5 million Peugeot and Citroën vehicles for domestic and overseas markets since its inception.
The new project’s implementation depends on signing final agreements and satisfying customary conditions and approvals.
Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automakers, owns brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall.
