New Jeep EV Could Be Underpinned By Chinese Tech

Stellantis, the company behind Jeep, Fiat and Citroën, is reportedly exploring a joint venture with China's state-owned Dongfeng Motor Group for a new electric Jeep SUV. 

This move signifies a deeper collaboration beyond Stellantis' existing ties with Dongfeng for Citroën and Peugeot vehicles, and separate from their significant investment in another Chinese EV brand, Leapmotor. 

Importantly, this isn't Jeep's first foray into electric vehicles; the brand already has the Wagoneer S (pictured above) and an upcoming Compass EV in the US market. However, this new potential global EV will leverage advanced technologies from Dongfeng's Voyah and M-Hero brands.

Learning from Past Ventures

Stellantis has a complex history in the Chinese market, including the bankruptcy of its previous Jeep joint venture with GAC in 2022. 

This new partnership with Dongfeng appears to be a recalibration, with Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa having recently visited Dongfeng to experience their Voyah and M-Hero models

Initial reports suggest a preliminary agreement has been reached for this new Jeep off-road SUV.

A 'Freelander Model' for Tech Integration

The proposed collaboration is expected to mirror the successful 'Freelander project' between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. Under this model, Stellantis would primarily focus on styling and brand identity, while Dongfeng would shoulder the responsibility for developing core technologies. 

This includes critical areas such as the powertrain, cockpit systems, and autonomous driving functionalities. The ambitious timeline aims for a market launch of the first Jeep new energy crossover by Q1 2027, with an intense 18-month development cycle.

Techn Underpinnings

This strategic partnership is poised to reinvigorate Jeep's presence in China, where Stellantis has experienced declining sales for several years. The introduction of a new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is anticipated to re-establish the brand domestically. 

Furthermore, there are expectations that this China-developed Jeep crossover could eventually venture into overseas markets. The vehicle is likely to integrate significant technology from Dongfeng's recently launched M-Hero 817 SUV. 

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