Stellantis and Dongfeng to Collaborate on New Jeep SUV

Stellantis, the automotive giant formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, is no stranger to joint ventures. Its partnership with Dongfeng is a long-standing one, primarily focused on the production of Citroën and Peugeot vehicles in China. However, this new venture marks a significant pivot towards electric vehicles (EVs), a sector where China is a dominant player. The decision to develop a Jeep off-road SUV in collaboration with Dongfeng underscores Stellantis' commitment to expanding its footprint in the world's largest auto market. In recent years, Stellantis has faced declining sales in China, and this partnership is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate the Jeep brand domestically and potentially on a global scale. The collaboration will see Stellantis handling the design and styling aspects, while Dongfeng will focus on developing the core technologies, including the powertrain and autonomous driving features.

The partnership is expected to adopt a model similar to the one used in the Freelander project between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. This approach allows for a division of labor that plays to each partner's strengths: Stellantis' expertise in styling and branding, and Dongfeng's prowess in engineering and technology. The first Jeep new energy crossover is slated for release in the first quarter of 2027, with a development cycle of approximately 18 months. This timeline reflects the fast-paced nature of the automotive industry, particularly in the NEV segment, where rapid advancements and consumer expectations drive innovation.

The implications of this collaboration extend beyond the immediate goal of launching a new SUV. It represents a broader strategy to strengthen Stellantis' market position in China, a market that no global automaker can afford to ignore. With the integration of technologies from Dongfeng's Voyah and M-Hero brands, the new Jeep SUV is set to feature advanced capabilities in areas such as rear-wheel steering and autonomous driving. These features are expected to appeal to tech-savvy consumers and position the vehicle as a competitive choice in the burgeoning NEV sector.

Dongfeng's M-Hero M817, a full-size SUV that showcases the company's engineering capabilities, serves as an inspiration for the new Jeep model. The M817 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter engine with two electric motors to deliver a robust 505 kW (677 hp) power output. It features a 50.4 kWh battery, offering a pure electric range of 215 km and a mixed range of 1,365 km. This technology will likely inform the development of the new Jeep SUV, ensuring it meets both performance expectations and regulatory standards for emissions.

As Stellantis and Dongfeng embark on this ambitious project, industry observers are keenly watching how this collaboration will unfold. The success of the new Jeep SUV could pave the way for further joint ventures and innovations in the NEV space, potentially influencing market strategies across the globe. For Stellantis, this partnership is not just about entering the Chinese market with a new product; it's about setting a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize sustainability and cutting-edge technology.