Stellantis May Make A Jeep Out Of China’s Dongfeng SUV

  • The new model could be launched as early as the first quarter of 2027.
  • Stellantis used to operate a Chinese joint venture to build Jeeps locally.
  • Jeep may handle the styling, while Dongfeng will supply the powertrain.

In a global auto market increasingly tilting toward electrification, Stellantis has decided that if it can’t outpace China’s rapid progress, it might as well join it. By taking a major stake in Leapmotor, the company showed it was ready to adapt, seeing collaboration as the quickest way to stay in the race when it comes to building affordable electric offerings.

Apparently, Stellantis is now also looking to strengthen its relationship with Dongfeng Motor Group, a move that could soon yield a new model under one of its own brands.

More: Dongfeng EV Fell Apart In European Crash Test

The two companies already share a long history, with Dongfeng producing certain Citroen and Peugeot models for Stellantis. This time, though, attention appears to be turning toward Dongfeng’s Voyah and M-Hero brands.

A New Jeep Offering

According to a report from China’s Economic Observer, Stellantis plans to develop a new Jeep model within the next 18 months. It would feature in-house design but rely on Dongfeng’s powertrain, cockpit systems, and autonomous driving technologies.

If that setup sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it several times lately, most notably with Japanese automakers. Mazda’s collaboration with Changan led to the EZ-6 and EZ-60, while Toyota, Nissan and Honda have all pursued similar joint efforts.

Both Stellantis and Dongfeng have declined to comment, yet China’s Economic Observer claims the vehicle will be a serious off-roader, with a possible debut as early as the first quarter of 2027.

While it’s uncertain whether the model will remain exclusive to China, that market will almost certainly be its central focus.

Stellantis May Make A Jeep Out Of China’s Dongfeng SUV
Dongfeng M-Hero M817

It’s not yet known which of Dongfeng’s powertrains Jeep may elect to use for this new model. One possibility is the 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid setup of the M-Hero M817 that uses two electric motors and delivers no less than 912 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque, easily outmuscling all other Jeep models.

Read: Stellantis Spends $13 Billion To Revive Jeep And Dodge In America

The M-Hero 917 goes even further, delivering a staggering 1,072 hp, edging into hypercar territory. Whether Stellantis opts for this version or keeps performance slightly more restrained remains to be seen.

If the plan moves forward, production would almost certainly take place in China. Stellantis has experience there, having previously built Jeep models in partnership with GAC before that venture collapsed in 2022.

Stellantis May Make A Jeep Out Of China’s Dongfeng SUV

Source: EEO


The Auto World

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