Chinese carmaker Dongfeng Motor is “in advanced negotiations” with Rome over a local facility, Italian media reported on Tuesday, ahead of a roundtable discussion bringing together industry players including Stellantis.
The decision on the possible entry of Chinese manufacturers into the Italian automotive industry “requires time”, however, Economy Minister Adolfo Urso told reporters when asked about this information.
A round table organized on Wednesday
According to Italian news agency Ansa, the ministry is currently in negotiations with the Chinese group on “the construction of a production plant in Italy that would serve as a hub for the whole of Europe.”
The agency said that “Italian companies in the components sector” and a “minority public stake” could also be involved in the project.
“Tomorrow we will have a round table discussion on the automobile. We cannot decide on industrial commitments of this type in one day or one month. It is a production process that requires time,” said Adolfo Urso.
Asked by AFP, the Ministry of Enterprise declined to comment on the reports of negotiations with Dongfeng.
Looking for a second carmaker in Italy, where only Stellantis has large-scale production plants, Adolfo Urso announced in February that it had started talks with several Chinese groups.
“Only with the entry of another car manufacturer into the territory will we be able to achieve the goal of producing one million cars a year,” the minister said.
Tensions with Stellantis in Italy
Chinese car giant BYD confirmed in February that it had been contacted by the Meloni government to open a factory in Italy.
These negotiations come in the context of a controversy between Stellantis and the government of Giorgia Meloni, which criticises the Franco-Italian-American manufacturer for relocating its production to low-cost countries, to the detriment of Italian factories.
The arrival of a Chinese manufacturer would not please Stellantis, which increased its production in Italy last year by 9.6% to around 752,000 vehicles.
During a trip to Beijing in early July, Adolfo Urso met with the leaders of several automotive groups, including Dongfeng.
At the end of July, Giorgia Meloni also travelled to China on an official visit aimed at stimulating bilateral trade relations.
Source: BFM TV
