Dongfeng's Luxury EV Brand Voyah Debuts in Italy, Explores Domestic Production

Dongfeng Motor Group, a Chinese automaker, has introduced its luxury electric vehicle brand, Voyah, in Italy. The company is also exploring the possibility of manufacturing cars in Italy and aims to bring hybrid models to the Italian market soon, according to a statement on its website.

Italian consumers now have access to three Voyah models: a sport utility vehicle, a minivan, and a sedan. As Italy's electric vehicle (EV) penetration rate remains below 20 percent, the government has implemented various policies this year to promote EV adoption among residents.

Dongfeng is currently engaging in preliminary discussions with the Italian government to establish a factory in the country capable of producing over 100,000 vehicles annually. Qian Xie, head of the company's European operations, shared this information in an interview with Bloomberg News on April 16.

Chinese automakers, including Voyah, Xpeng, Nio, and BYD, have been leveraging countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy as entry points to the European market due to their residents' openness to new energy vehicles. Notably, Norway leads the way with an impressive NEV penetration rate of 88.5 percent.

Voyah recently made its debut in the Czech Republic and has plans to expand into Slovakia, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and countries participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Xpeng has announced its intention to commence EV sales in Germany next month, while Leapmotor Technology is also gearing up to enter mainstream European markets this year.

According to customs data, China exported 4.9 million vehicles last year, marking a 58 percent increase from the previous year. Europe served as a significant destination, with EVs accounting for nearly a quarter of the total exported vehicles.