Business · Companies · 2 days ago
Stellantis open to more Chinese partnerships to compete in South America
Stellantis, which owns brands including Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot, Citroën and Ram, says it is open to partnering with more Chinese carmakers to compete in South America.
The group already has a partnership with China’s Leapmotor, and its regional chief, Herlander Zola, said it could also work with Dongfeng or other companies.
Stellantis and Dongfeng are discussing a deeper alliance in South America, which could involve making vehicles at existing factories and developing products together.
Chinese brands are gaining ground in the Brazilian market, and Zola said their rapid growth led Stellantis to revise its plans for launches and technology.
The company plans to invest 30 billion reais in Brazil by 2030.
Zola also warned that importing cars from China in partly assembled form could reduce the number of factory workers needed.
In Argentina, where Stellantis has two factories, the company says falling sales and increased market openness have put local production under pressure; the article does not say whether either plant will close.
Stellantis is willing to form more partnerships with Chinese automakers to stay competitive in South America, its regional president said.
Herlander Zola said the company could work with Dongfeng or other Chinese brands, in addition to its existing partnership with Leapmotor.
Stellantis and Dongfeng are discussing expanding their existing alliance in China to South America.
The company has a plan to invest R$30 billion in Brazil through 2030 and has adjusted its launch and technology schedule in response to Chinese competition.
- Who
- Stellantis and Chinese automakers, including Leapmotor and Dongfeng. Stellantis South America president Herlander Zola described the company’s plans.
- What
- Stellantis is open to more Chinese partnerships to maintain its competitiveness in the region.
- When
- Zola made the remarks at a lunch with journalists. The article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- South America, with Brazil and Argentina discussed.
- Why
- Chinese automakers are gaining ground, and Stellantis wants to maintain its competitiveness and leadership in the region.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stellantis and Dongfeng’s discussions about expanding their global partnership to South America have advanced, Zola said.
Stellantis has a plan to invest R$30 billion in Brazil.
- Regional president
- Herlander Zola
- Existing Chinese partner
- Leapmotor
- Potential partner
- Dongfeng
- Brazil investment plan
- R$30 billion through 2030
- Stellantis workforce in South America
- 35,000 employees
What people are saying
If it is necessary to partner with more Chinese brands to maintain our competitiveness in the region, we will do so
Our partnership with Leapmotor is very strategic, but we can also move forward with Dongfeng or other alliances
I can partner with one more, two more or even ten more, depending on what is necessary to ensure the level of competitiveness that matters for the company in our region
Sources
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