Italy may soon realize its desire to attract a new automaker to its shores: China’s Dongfeng Motor Group, which needs to produce more than 100,000 electrified cars a year in the country. These cars can also take the form of hybrids and/or electric cars.
For months, Italy has been courting foreign automakers, encouraging them to build cars on the market. Speaking recently on the issue, Dongfeng’s head of European operations, Qian Xie, said that building cars in the country would open it up to the rest of the world. continent.
Read: Italy courts Tesla and three Chinese brands for car production
“Italy is one of the largest car markets in Europe, and for a Chinese automaker, having local production can supply all the other countries in the region,” Xie said.
Stellantis, through the largest automaker in Italy and China, has signed a joint venture with Dongfeng to manufacture Peugeot and Citroen vehicles. However, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has voiced his opposition to the Italian government going after Chinese automakers.
“In Italy, you can take advantage of the country’s entire legacy in the automotive industry,” Xie added.
Dongfeng sold 1. 72 million cars last year, up from 2017, when it sold 2. 83 million units.
Bloomberg understands that talks between Dongfeng and the Italian government are ongoing. Dongfeng may be presented with features for production sites in the coming weeks.
It’s unclear exactly how many models Dongfeng intends to sell in Europe, but last week the company brought the first vehicle it will soon introduce to the Old Continent. It’s called the M-Hero 1 and takes the form of an SUV focused on off-roading. which will go on sale in Switzerland this month before launching in other markets. Another attractive style unveiled through Dongfeng this year is the eπ007, a sleek four-door electric fastback that will start with a starting price of just 159,000 yuan (~$22,000).