AutoBeta(AutoBeta.net)01/06 Report--

On January 5, Dongfeng Peugeot 408X made its debut, and the new car is expected to launch in the first half of the year. It is understood that Dongfeng Peugeot New 408X is based on Peugeot EMP2 platform, using the slip-back design of classic Fastback models, and will be produced by Chengdu factory in the future.

On the same day, Zhang Zutong, member of the standing Committee of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of Dongfeng Automobile Group Co., Ltd., and Zhang Zutong, Chairman of Dragon Motor Co., Ltd., and Olivier, member of the Global Executive Committee of Stellantis Group, Chief operating Officer of China, and Vice Chairman of DPCA Automobile Co., Ltd., respectively delivered video speeches at the debut event of Dongfeng Peugeot 408X, and both sides made it clear that they would further intensify their efforts and invest resources. We will give greater support in commodity planning, technology introduction, brand development and marketing to bring more electric, intelligent and Internet-connected products that meet the needs of Chinese customers. we will fully support the transformation, upgrading and sustainable development of new energy for DPCA and its dual brands.

Previously, DPCA had been caught in the speculation of ending operations in the Chinese market. At the 2022 Paris Motor Show, Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, said Stellantis was considering a "asset-light" approach to brands such as Peugeot and Citroen in the Chinese market. Tang Weishi said: "if we advance the strategy we are adopting now, then we do not need to set up a factory in China." In an increasingly tense world, we don't need to create loopholes. We foresee the possibility of geopolitical tensions. Can we ensure the stability of the market? "

Many media interpret that the so-called "light assets" means to give up domestic production, and DPCA may end its localization. In July 2022, Stellantis Group announced on its website that it would adopt a "light asset" approach to develop the Jeep brand in China and negotiate with GAC GROUP to terminate the local joint venture. after that, Stellantis Group will focus on distributing Jeep-branded imported cars in China. On the same day, GAC GROUP confirmed that he negotiated with Stellantis Group to terminate Guangzhou Auto Fick's termination of local production.

In November 2022, Olivier, member of the global executive committee of Stellantis Group, chief operating officer of China, and vice chairman of DPCA Automobile Co., Ltd. said publicly at the communication meeting of DPCA suppliers that "the cooperation with Dongfeng has always been the top priority of Stellantis Group in China, and DPCA is the only manufacturing joint venture of Stellantis Group in China, and the partnership with Dongfeng and DPCA plays an important strategic role for Stellantis." This remark swept away the previous speculation about the termination of home-made DPCA.

With the withdrawal of Guangzhou Auto Fick, DPCA has become the only joint venture of Stellantis Group in China. Data show that DPCA was founded in May 1992, jointly funded by Dongfeng Motor Group and Peugeot Citroen Group. As the first joint venture to enter the Chinese market, DPCA has mass-produced household-known models such as Fukang, and has reached an annual sales peak of 700000 vehicles, making it a popular car brand. However, at the same time when DPCA entered the highlight moment, the problems of product quality, technology iteration, business philosophy and even corruption were also exposed. coupled with the slow iteration of product updates and other reasons, DPCA gradually faded out of the market. Sales have declined for four consecutive years since 2016.

However, with the landing of the "yuan plus" plan, the merger of Dongfeng Peugeot and Dongfeng Citroen sales channels, and the launch of Versailles C5X, Citroen Tianyi BEYOND, Peugeot New 408, Peugeot New 5008 and other new products, DPCA sales are gradually picking up. According to official disclosure, DPCA sold a total of 127000 cars in 2022, up 30 per cent from a year earlier. However, there is still a long way to go when DPCA aims to sell 150000 vehicles in 2022. It has been revealed that DPCA will challenge 155000 vehicles in 2023.

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