Stellantis is reportedly set to deepen its cooperation with China’s state-owned Dongfeng Motor Group to co-develop a new Jeep-branded off-road SUV, integrating technologies from Dongfeng’s Voyah and M-Hero brands as the automaker accelerates its push into the country’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
According to Chinese outlet Economic Observer, Stellantis and Dongfeng have reached a preliminary agreement to jointly develop the Jeep model, which will mark a new phase in their longstanding partnership. While Dongfeng officials confirmed ongoing communication with Stellantis, they declined to comment directly on the reported development.
See also: Stellantis Deepens Partnership With Mistral AI to Scale Artificial Intelligence Across Operations
The move comes as Stellantis seeks to revive the Jeep brand in China following the 2022 bankruptcy of its previous joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). The new partnership is expected to follow a structure similar to that of the Freelander project between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover — with Stellantis focusing on vehicle styling and Dongfeng handling the core technologies, including powertrain systems, smart cockpits, and autonomous driving functions.
The companies reportedly plan to unveil their first Jeep new energy crossover in the first quarter of 2027, with an estimated development cycle of 18 months. During a visit to Dongfeng Motor in July, Stellantis Group CEO Antonio Filosa praised Voyah and M-Hero’s models, stating that the group would “deepen cooperation with Dongfeng to accelerate the transition to the new energy segment.”
See also: Stellantis Drops Plans For Electrified Jeep Gladiator Amid Strategy Shift
Stellantis and Dongfeng’s collaboration dates back to their joint production of Citroën and Peugeot vehicles in China. In May 2025, the partners launched a new NEV brand, Hedmos, under the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën joint venture. Analysts at CarNewsChina suggest the new Jeep project could help Stellantis re-establish its market position in the world’s largest auto market, where its sales have declined in recent years.
The China-developed Jeep model could later be exported to overseas markets and is expected to incorporate key technologies from Dongfeng’s recently launched M-Hero 817 SUV.
