Dongfeng Unveils High-Power Tesla Cybertruck Rival, Eyes Production in Italy

At the Beijing Auto Show, Dongfeng Motor Group showcased a Cybertruck-inspired electric vehicle boasting an impressive 1,305 horsepower, signaling its ambitions to produce over 100,000 electrified cars annually in Italy. This move aligns with Italy's strategy to become a hub for international automakers.

Dongfeng's Cybertruck-Inspired Concept Steals the Show with Futuristic Features and Robust Power

Among the sparkle and beauty of the Beijing Auto Show, Dongfeng debuted its Cybertruck concept. While the source is still determining if it will go into production, Chinese automakers have a history of creating unusual vehicles, so there's a high chance this electric truck will soon touch local roads.

According to Carscoops, the truck is believed to be based on a Dongfeng skateboard EV chassis and boasts 1,305 horsepower, making it more powerful than Tesla's flagship CyberBeast model.

Dongfeng's designers undoubtedly took inspiration from the Cybertruck. Compared to the Tesla, it has slightly softer edges, and the body panels are not thought to be constructed of exposed stainless steel. There's a configurable LED light bar, an illuminated emblem, and a rugged-looking skid plate. A little frunk is also visible.

Looking at the truck from the side shows some intriguing details. Its features include suicide rear doors, power-retractable side steps, aerodynamic wheel covers, and mud-terrain tires. The Cybertruck influence continues in the back, where Dongfeng displays the model with a tent that emerges from the bed.

The truck's cabin contains a square-shaped steering wheel and screens that appear to span the whole dashboard width. It also features some unusual seats with what looks to be forged carbon fiber on the backrest.

Dongfeng Plans Major EV Production in Italy, Aiming to Strengthen European Automotive Presence

Italy may soon get its desire to bring a new auto manufacturer to its shores, as Chinese company Dongfeng Motor Group is interested in building more than 100,000 electric vehicles in the country. These vehicles could be hybrids or electric vehicles (EVs).

For months, Italy has courted foreign car makers, urging them to produce vehicles for the domestic market. Dongfeng's head of European operations, Qian Xie, reportedly stated that manufacturing vehicles in the country will connect it to the rest of the continent.

"Italy is one of Europe's largest automotive markets and for a Chinese carmaker having local production means that you can supply all other countries in the area," Xie said.

Stellantis is the largest car manufacturer in Italy. In China, it has a joint venture with Dongfeng to create Peugeot and Citroen vehicles. However, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has opposed Italian authorities pursuing Chinese automakers.

"In Italy, you can take advantage of all the strong legacy that the country has in the automotive industry," Xie added.

Dongfeng sold 1.72 million vehicles last year, a significant decrease from its peak year of 2.83 million in 2017.

Bloomberg understands that talks between Dongfeng and the Italian authorities are still ongoing. In the following weeks, Dongfeng may be offered options for production sites.

It is unclear how many models Dongfeng aims to sell in Europe, but this week, the company unveiled the first vehicle it would debut in the Old Continent. It is the M-Hero 1, an SUV with a strong off-road focus. It will go on sale in Switzerland this month before expanding to other countries. Dongfeng also debuted the eπ 007, a stylish four-door electric fastback starting at just 159,000 yuan (~$ $22,000).

Photo: MEDCARS/YouTube Screenshot