Another Chinese car brand is heading for Europe – and this one could arrive with a rather handy shortcut into showrooms.
Stellantis, the giant behind Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep and Vauxhall, as well as existing premium brands Alfa Romeo and DS, has signed a non-binding agreement with Dongfeng to set up a new Europe-based joint venture that would handle sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing and engineering for Dongfeng’s new vehicles.
The first focus is Voyah, Dongfeng’s upmarket electric and hybrid brand, which already sells cars in some European markets including Norway, as well as the Middle East. The line-up in Europe currently includes the Voyah Free all-electric SUVs, the Passion saloon and the Dream MPV.
The UK has not been confirmed in the announcement, but it is one of Europe’s strongest markets for hybrids and electric cars, so it would be a surprise if it were not high on the wish list.
The planned business would be a Stellantis-led 51/49 joint venture, following a similar shape to Stellantis’s agreement with Leapmotor for international markets. That should give Voyah a useful head start, with access to Stellantis’ existing sales network, aftersales knowledge and back-office support such as parts distribution and finance.
The deal could also lead to Dongfeng vehicles being built in Europe. Stellantis and Dongfeng say they are looking at possible production at the Rennes plant in France, in line with European regulations and Made-in-Europe requirements.
The Voyah range in Norway starts with the Voyah Courage, an electric crossover SUV with a 292-mile range that’s priced from under £30,000. One of the other cars likely to get attention is the Voyah Free, a large premium all-electric SUV that claims a maximum range of up to 311 miles, four-wheel drive and a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds. In Norway, it costs the equivalent of just under £50,000, putting it very much in the posh, powerful and family-friendly SUV camp – up against the likes of the new DS No.7, also from Stellantis.
“The plans we are announcing today take our recently strengthened cooperation with Dongfeng to an all-new dimension of an international partnership to the benefit of customers around the world,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “With this new chapter in our collaboration, we will give our customers an even greater choice of competitive products and pricing, leveraging the best of Stellantis’ global footprint alongside Dongfeng’s access to China’s advanced new energy vehicles ecosystem.”
Dongfeng and Stellantis are not new partners. Their relationship stretches back 34 years, and earlier this month they also announced plans to build new Peugeot and Jeep-branded cars at their Wuhan plant in China from 2027, for both the Chinese market and export.
“Dongfeng will further strengthen and expand our partnership with Stellantis, closely aligning with China’s national strategies of high-level opening up, dual circulation, and stabilising foreign investment, business, and employment.” said Qing YANG, Dongfeng Chairman. “This also meets both shareholders’ development needs. Through coordination in technology, branding, and global markets, it will unlock greater value from the joint venture, accelerate Dongfeng’s global expansion, support Stellantis’ global strategic shift and China presence.”
