Stellantis will form a joint venture with Dongfeng to produce the Chinese state-owned group’s high-end vehicles at its underutilised plant in France, its latest tie-up with a rival to ensure the future of European manufacturing.
Under a memorandum of understanding announced on Wednesday, the Fiat, Peugeot and Jeep owner plans to share production with Dongfeng at its Rennes plant, which is operating at about half its full capacity.
Stellantis will also assist with Dongfeng’s overseas expansion by helping with sales and distribution of the Wuhan-based group’s Voyah brand in Europe. The joint venture, which will be 51 per cent owned by Stellantis and the remainder by Dongfeng, will also involve the purchasing of parts and engineering.