Stellantis is deepening its ties with Chinese automakers once again, this time through a proposed European venture with Dongfeng that could bring Voyah-branded electric vehicles to production in France. The plan follows Stellantis’ existing move to build Leapmotor EVs in Spain and reflects the group’s broader strategy to combine European manufacturing capacity with Chinese EV technology.
According to the report, Stellantis and Dongfeng are working on a new company that would be led by Stellantis and split 51-49 between the two partners. The business would not be limited to importing vehicles, as it would also cover manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, sales and distribution activities for Dongfeng’s new-energy vehicles in selected European markets.
The move could help Dongfeng’s premium EV brand Voyah strengthen its position in Europe, where local production may reduce exposure to import tariffs on China-built electric vehicles while supporting growing demand for vehicles manufactured within the region.
Stellantis has not officially confirmed the production site, but the report says Dongfeng’s European manufacturing could be based at Stellantis’ Rennes facility in Brittany, western France. The plant, which currently builds models including the Citroen C5 Aircross, has significant unused capacity compared with its historical production levels.
That available capacity could make Rennes a suitable location for additional EV production, especially as Stellantis looks for ways to improve plant utilization while expanding its electric vehicle portfolio for European customers.
One potential model mentioned for European production is the Voyah Courage SUV. The dual-motor electric SUV produces 429 hp and is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. It also offers a WLTP driving range of up to 292 miles, or 470 km, in its current China-built form already sold in parts of Europe.
Producing such models in France could give Voyah a stronger competitive position against other premium electric SUVs, while also allowing Stellantis and Dongfeng to respond more effectively to Europe’s changing trade and regulatory environment.
The Dongfeng plan comes shortly after Stellantis confirmed that future Jeep and Peugeot electrified models will be built in Wuhan from 2027 for China and selected export markets. That development highlights the growing importance of Chinese engineering, manufacturing and supply chains in Stellantis’ global EV plans.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa described the latest phase of cooperation as a continuation of the companies’ long-standing partnership, saying the alliance would offer customers more competitive products and pricing by combining Stellantis’ global reach with Dongfeng’s electric vehicle expertise.
