Germany's e-car sector faces an imminent challenge: Dongfeng's entry approaching
A Chinese auto giant, Dongfeng, dives into the German market by the year's end, preparing to sell three electric automobiles from two of their brands. Autumn witnesses the availability of the high-end electric vehicles Voyah Free and Voyah Dream, in addition to the luxury SUV Mhero 1. Deliveries may spill into the next year. Following in early 2025 are two models from the volume brand Dongfeng – Box, a compact car, and the Coupe 007.
Having set foot in Norway since 2022 and other northern European nations, the state-owned Dongfeng Group eyes more European markets. Their automobiles will be available for purchase in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal by the end of this year. Over 260 dealers are projected to offer these vehicles in the upcoming year. Local partnerships in Kerpen near Cologne are already established.
A Challenge to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and newcomer Hummer?
Voyah, the premium brand within the group, offers the Free and Dream models, which are five- and seven-seater SUVs boasting electric ranges around 500 km. A plug-in hybrid version also exists in the home market, but its arrival in Germany is yet to be confirmed. Potential rivals for the Duo, estimated to cost a minimum of approximately 70,000 Euros, include the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, or Mercedes EQE SUV.
Initially, Mhero1, a four-motor luxury SUV, may face less competition in Europe. Primarily competing against the electric Mercedes G-Class and the GMC Hummer EV, its price range is projected to exceed six figures.
