- The Chinese automaker views Italy as a way to expand across Europe.
- Dongfeng sold 1.72 million vehicles last year and has already confirmed the M-Hero 1 for the local market.
- Italian authorities are expected to present the company with options for production sites soon.
Italy may soon get its wish of attracting a new car manufacturer to its shores with Chinese brand Dongfeng Motor Group that’s interested in producing more than 100,000 electrified cars annually in the country. These vehicles could take the form of hybrids and/or EVs.
For months, Italy has been courting overseas car manufacturers, encouraging them to build vehicles in the local market. While recently speaking on the matter, Dongfeng’s head of European operations, Qian Xie, said building vehicles in the country would open it up to the rest of the continent.
Read: Italy Courts Tesla And 3 Chinese Brands For Local Car Production
“Italy is one of Europe’s largest automotive markets and for a Chinese carmaker having local production means that you can supply all other countries in the area,” Xie said.
Stellantis is by far the largest car producer in Italy and in China has a joint-venture partnership with Dongfeng to build Peugeot and Citroen vehicles. However, Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares has expressed his opposition to Italian authorities chasing after Chinese carmakers.
“In Italy, you can take advantage of all the strong legacy that the country has in the automotive industry,” Xie added.
Dongfeng sold 1.72 million vehicles last year, well down on its best year in 2017 when it shifted 2.83 million units.
Bloomberg understands that discussions between Dongfeng and the Italian government are ongoing. Dongfeng could be presented with options for production sites in the coming weeks.
It is unclear how many models Dongfeng intends to sell in Europe but last week, it presented the first vehicle it will soon introduce in the Old Continent. It is dubbed the M-Hero 1 and takes the form of an SUV with a keen off-road focus that will go on sale in Switzerland this month before it launches in other markets. Another compelling model unveiled by Dongfeng this year is the eπ 007, a sleek four-door electric fastback that will start at just 159,000 yuan (~$22,000).
