Stellantis and Dongfeng to produce Chinese NEVs in Europe

Automakers Stellantis and Dongfeng of China plan to significantly expand their partnership, focusing on the production, sales, distribution, purchasing, and design of Dongfeng's new energy vehicles (NEVs) in Europe. This move brings production of another Chinese brand to Europe for the multi-brand group, which is also closely collaborating with Chinese EV startup Leapmotor.

The joint venture plans European production of Dongfeng's "new energy vehicles" (NEVs) at the Stellantis plant in Rennes-La Janais, northern France. This facility, originally founded for Citroën in 1961, currently produces the Citroën C5 Aircross electric vehicle. The partnership aims to leverage Dongfeng's "highly competitive Chinese NEV ecosystem."

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa stated the initiative will offer customers "an even wider selection of competitive products and prices by combining the best of Stellantis' global presence with Dongfeng's access to China's advanced NEV ecosystem." The partners will establish a "Europe-based joint venture, led by Stellantis with a 51:49 shareholding."

Dongfeng President Qing Yang indicated the collaboration aligns with China's national strategies for openness and foreign investment. This follows a recent announcement that their existing Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., will manufacture Peugeot and Jeep NEVs for global export from its Wuhan plant starting in 2027. Stellantis also has a collaboration with Renault for the Dacia Spring, an EV also based on Dongfeng technology.