Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, has announced a significant new partnership with Chinese automaker Dongfeng to produce electrified Jeep off-road vehicles at a joint venture plant in Wuhan, China. The move marks a fresh attempt by the American brand to strengthen its presence in the world’s largest auto market through locally made new-energy vehicles (NEVs).
Under the agreement signed this week, production of two new Jeep-branded off-road NEVs is scheduled to begin in 2027 at the existing Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile (DPCA) facility in Wuhan. The vehicles are expected to include fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or range-extended electric powertrains, taking advantage of Chinese advancements in battery technology and EV platforms.
The joint venture represents an investment of more than €1 billion (approximately $1.16–1.18 billion), with Stellantis contributing around €130 million. The remainder will come from Dongfeng and local government support in Hubei province. In addition to the Jeep models, the Wuhan plant will also manufacture two new Peugeot NEVs for the Chinese market and potential exports.
The vehicles are primarily aimed at customers in China, with plans for global exports that could include Europe and other international markets. There are currently no indications that these China-built Jeep models will be sold in the United States.
This development comes after Stellantis’s previous joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) ended in bankruptcy several years ago. The new alliance with Dongfeng is part of a broader strategy by Stellantis to partner with Chinese companies—including its existing collaboration with Leapmotor—to gain access to affordable EV technology, batteries, and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
Jeep has historically faced challenges gaining traction in China despite the brand’s strong global reputation for rugged off-road performance. By producing electrified models locally, Stellantis hopes to offer more competitively priced vehicles that appeal to Chinese consumers who increasingly favor NEVs.
The announcement has sparked discussion about an iconic American brand shifting production of future off-roaders to China. While Jeep continues to develop and build models like the Wrangler and the upcoming Recon EV elsewhere, this Wuhan project underscores the intense global competition in the electric vehicle sector and the growing reliance of Western automakers on Chinese partners for EV expertise.
Industry observers see the move as consistent with wider trends, as many international manufacturers team up with Chinese firms to navigate high EV development costs and fierce competition from domestic leaders such as BYD.
Further details on the specific Jeep models—including names, exact powertrain specifications, and design features—are expected to be revealed closer to the 2027 production start.
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