Stellantis is set to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) under China’s Dongfeng luxury Voyah brand at its Rennes factory in France, as part of a broader European joint venture between the two carmakers.
Analysts say it points to both European OEMs’ manufacturing overcapacity and the bold global expansion strategies from Chinese OEMs that include greater localisation of manufacturing
Inside the EU that will also help Chinese OEMs to avoid import tariffs that apply to Chinese shipments of finished vehicles. Stellantis is also working closely with China’s Leapmotor. Stellantis recently announced that it will deepen its relationship with Chinese partner Leapmotor to produce an Opel branded C-segment SUV.
Stellantis and Dongfeng have now signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a new Europe-based joint venture for the sale and local production of Dongfeng EVs. Under the proposed structure, Stellantis would hold a 51% controlling stake, with Dongfeng retaining the remaining 49% in the JV. The venture would manage sales and distribution of Voyah-branded electric models across selected European markets, drawing on Stellantis’ existing retail and after-sales network on the continent.