On the morning of August 20, 2026, Shenlong Automobile Technology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. was formally established in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone. The new company boasts a registered capital of approximately 82 billion yuan and is jointly funded by six shareholders including Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Stellantis Group.
The company is dedicated exclusively to new energy vehicle (NEV) business, with its first phase planning four all-new models spanning the Jeep and Peugeot brands. The lineup covers both pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, designed to global unified standards for research, development, and production, with simultaneous global market launches.
Production is expected to commence in 2027 at the Wuhan factory, with vehicles destined for worldwide markets. This marks a paradigm shift for joint-venture automakers, creating a new model of "China innovation, global sharing" that leverages Chinese manufacturing capabilities and R&D prowess to serve international markets.
The establishment of Shenlong Technology represents a strategic pivot for both Dongfeng Motor and Stellantis Group, transitioning from a traditional supply relationship to a comprehensive industrial ecosystem collaboration. The move signals growing confidence among international automakers in China's NEV supply chain, manufacturing quality, and technological capabilities.
The new company's focus on both pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles aligns with China's broader NEV market trends, where monthly penetration rates have exceeded 60% for four consecutive months and domestic brands command over 77% of the passenger vehicle market share.
Image: Low-speed electric vehicle in China. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, User:Kevauto).
