- Stellantis and Dongfeng will build new Jeep EVs in Wuhan beginning during 2027.
- China-built Jeeps are intended for export beyond China, potentially including Europe.
- Peugeot also gets futuristic EV flagships as Stellantis cements partnerships globally.
Jeep might be one of America’s most recognizably American brands, in large part thanks to its past military capers, which included trying to limit the spread of those scary communists in the 1950s and ’60s. But now some Jeeps are set to roll out of a factory deep in central China.
Parent company Stellantis has signed a new agreement with Chinese partner Dongfeng that’ll see upcoming Jeep-branded electrified off-roaders built in Wuhan starting in 2027.
Related: Jeep’s Refreshed Avenger Gets A Classier Cabin And New Turbo Engine
Before anyone in the US starts wrapping bald eagles in protective blankets, there’s an important catch. Stellantis hasn’t said these Chinese-built Jeeps are headed for America. Right now, the company only says they’re intended for China and “global markets,” which should include Europe.
Still, the optics are fascinating. Jeep’s whole image is built around rugged Americana, dusty trails, and military heritage. Now the company’s future EV ambitions may partly depend on Chinese manufacturing and technology. The new agreement expands the 30-year-long partnership between Stellantis and Dongfeng through their DPCA joint venture. The Wuhan facility is expected to produce two new Peugeot EVs plus two new Jeep electrified off-roaders.
Stellantis hasn’t revealed the Jeep models yet, only describing them as “new-energy vehicles.” That could mean fully electric SUVs, plug-in hybrids, or both. Considering Jeep’s aggressive electrification push, don’t be surprised if these end up closely tied to China’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.
Peugeot Concepts Come To Life In China
Peugeot’s side of the deal is a little clearer. The French brand’s upcoming models will reportedly draw inspiration from the dramatic Concept 6 and Concept 8 cars shown at this year’s Beijing Auto Show. Those were a sleek sedan and a large flagship SUV aimed at boosting Peugeot’s global ambitions.
The project carries a combined investment worth more than €1 billion (about $1.16 billion at current exchange rates), with Stellantis contributing roughly €130 million ($151 million). Local government support in Hubei province also appears to be playing a major role.
Speaking in the official announcement, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the companies are “ready to further leverage their strengths and introduce all-new vehicles with cutting-edge EV technologies from brands that customers worldwide trust and love.”
But could you trust and love a Jeep made in China, or would you rather have a more patriotic, US-built 2026 Wrangler America250 Edition (shown below)?
