Stellantis, the automotive giant behind Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, and Vauxhall, has signed a non-binding agreement with Chinese automaker Dongfeng to establish a new Europe-based joint venture. The partnership will focus on selling, distributing, and potentially manufacturing Dongfeng's premium electric and hybrid vehicles, starting with the Voyah brand.
Voyah's European Expansion
Voyah, Dongfeng's upmarket electric and hybrid brand, already has a presence in some European markets, including Norway and the Middle East. Its current lineup in Europe includes the Voyah Free all-electric SUV, the Passion saloon, and the Dream MPV. The new joint venture aims to expand Voyah's footprint across the continent, with the UK being a likely target due to its strong demand for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Joint Venture Structure
The planned business will be a Stellantis-led 51/49 joint venture, mirroring the structure of Stellantis's existing agreement with Leapmotor for international markets. This arrangement gives Voyah a significant advantage by leveraging Stellantis's established sales network, aftersales expertise, and back-office support, including parts distribution and financing.
Potential UK Launch
While the UK has not been officially confirmed, it is considered a high-priority market. The Voyah Courage, an electric crossover SUV with a 292-mile range and a starting price under £30,000 in Norway, could be a strong contender. Another model likely to attract attention is the Voyah Free, a premium all-electric SUV boasting a maximum range of 311 miles, four-wheel drive, and a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds. Priced at just under £50,000 in Norway, it competes with vehicles like the DS No.7.
Manufacturing in Europe
The agreement also opens the door for Dongfeng vehicles to be built in Europe. Stellantis and Dongfeng are exploring production at the Rennes plant in France, aligning with European regulations and Made-in-Europe requirements.
Strategic Partnership
Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, stated: "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. 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 have a long-standing relationship spanning 34 years. 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 domestic and export markets.
Qing Yang, Dongfeng Chairman, commented: "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. 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."
