Stellantis needs help developing a new Jeep for the Chinese domestic market, and may enlist the assistance of Dongfeng for its affordable SUV, claims Economic Observer quoting inside sources.
We are told that the Chinese automaker will handle the entire powertrain and ADAS design work. In turn, Stellantis will come up with a fitting exterior and cabin. The SUV has been reportedly penciled in for launch in Q1 2027.
Sharing the technologies with Dongfeng’s Voyah and M-Hero off-roader lineups will enable the new Jeep for China to ship with BEV and serial-hybrid powertrains to choose from. The recently introduced M-Hero M817 had up to 687 PS (678 hp / 505 kW) under its command, and we suppose something similar could be adopted by its American-badged counterpart.
According to the insiders, the main goal is to strengthen the market positions of Jeep in China by better appealing to the local audiences. But while this may seem like an internal story of just one specific market, the sources strongly imply that Jeep may later take its China-made SUV overseas and ultimately offer it worldwide.
The company has yet to comment.
