China is an important market for most automakers, including Stellantis, which sees the world’s largest automotive market as a jumping-off point for its global strategy. Late last week, the automaker took another step toward growing that strategy by announcing a strategic cooperation agreement with Dongfeng Group to expand their 34-year partnership through shared production of Peugeot and Jeep vehicles in China for the Chinese market and for sales worldwide.

The partners also signed a non-binding strategic MoU (memorandum of understanding) to further strengthen their cooperation by leveraging each company’s scale, expertise, and design capabilities in the industry.

“With a track record of more than 30 years of collaboration and shared automotive expertise, Stellantis and Dongfeng are ready to further leverage their strengths and introduce all-new vehicles with cutting-edge EV technologies from brands that customers worldwide trust and love,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’ CEO. “We look forward to this project and to collaborate even more in the future.”

In today’s announcement, the partners credited the favorable automotive industrial policies of the Hubei province and the Wuhan municipality for the ability to create the new project, which corresponds to a combined investment of over 8 billion Chinese Yuan (about €1 billion), of which Stellantis is expected to contribute about €130 million.

“Dongfeng Motor has always taken the transformation and revitalization of Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., Ltd. (DPCA) as a key strategic priority, fully supporting and advancing its sustainable development,” said Qing Yang, Dongfeng’s Group Chairman. “Through this signing of this strategic cooperation, by integrating Hubei’s industrial strengths, Stellantis’ global layout advantages, and Dongfeng’s intelligent electric vehicle technologies, a new path featuring complementary strengths and win-win outcomes for all parties has been forged. This will undoubtedly inject strong momentum into DPCA’s transformation.”

Under the new agreement, the DPCA joint venture is expected to start production in 2027 at its Wuhan plant of two new Peugeot electric vehicles, which will be based on the design language of the recently introduced Peugeot Concept 6 and Concept 8. The plan also includes the production at DPCA’s Wuhan plant of initially two Jeep-branded off-road new energy vehicles for global markets, starting in 2027.

In a preview of the newly strengthened partnership between Stellantis and Dongfeng, the unveiling of the Peugeot Concept 6 and Concept 8 new energy vehicles at the 2026 Auto China (Beijing Auto) Show was designed as a first step in demonstrating Stellantis’ determination to become a bigger global mobility player, with China as the cornerstone of its strategy to sell more vehicles around the world.

“Beijing is a key stage for Peugeot today,” said Alain Favey, CEO of Peugeot, at Auto China last month. “This motor show is not only about showcasing plans for future products, it is about reaffirming our ambition. China is a major driver of our global transformation, particularly in electrification, innovation, and brand elevation. Today we are showcasing two new concept cars which demonstrate our vision for a bold new future for the brand, combining feline French design and driving pleasure with world-leading electric and intelligent technologies, for China and for our global market.”

Favey added that, in the coming years, China will become a key production hub in Peugeot’s global transformation plan, with a goal of 500,000 overseas sales by 2030.

In addition to growing global market share, Peugeot said its two newest concept cars are intended to demonstrate its ambition to push the boundaries of design, innovation, and intelligent mobility, while remaining faithful to the brand’s core values of emotion and driving pleasure. The company also believes it can anticipate future customer expectations and shape a new generation of desirable, forward-looking vehicles for China and global markets.

The exterior look of the Peugeot Concept 6 is a cross between a long, sleek sedan and an estate wagon or shooting brake. The company said its design is intended to evoke its long heritage of grand touring wagons.

The Concept 8 is billed as Peugeot’s preview of the future of large SUVs. Its design appears to be more aerodynamic than traditional SUVs but includes a powerful stance for “intuitive driving pleasure.” Although it comes with large proportions, Concept 8 also appears sporty and efficient.

No detailed specifications for either new concept vehicle were released during the Beijing Auto Show, but Favey did offer some hints regarding performance features during his presentation to the press in attendance.

“Peugeot’s unique driving sensations are also thanks to the chassis tuning and handling setup inspired by the expertise gained from more than 100 years of racing heritage at Le Mans and around the world,” Favey said. “Meaning, performance, and pleasure at every turn. An agile and dynamic experience for the driver, thanks to steer-by-wire technology, and a comfortable experience for passengers, whatever the road surface, with continuous damping control. It’s also intelligent pleasure delivered by level three hands-off, eyes-off ADAS and personalized driving modes. The car adjusts itself to the driver’s mood for exhilaration or relaxation.”