Chinese automaker Dongfeng has officially opened its first sales and technical center in Slovenia, marking a significant milestone in its European expansion strategy. The inauguration took place on October 23, 2024, in Kamnik Pod Krimom, with the introduction of several new electric and petrol models.
Key Takeaways
- Location: The center is located in Kamnik Pod Krimom, Slovenia.
- New Models: Four electric and three petrol models were introduced.
- Government Support: The Slovenian government is supportive of Chinese investments in the automotive sector.
- Future Plans: Dongfeng aims to sell up to 800 cars in Slovenia this year, with plans to increase sales significantly in the coming years.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Chinese Ambassador to Slovenia Wang Shunqing, who emphasized the importance of Slovenia as a partner for China within the European Union. He highlighted the strong industrial and technological foundation of Slovenia, which aligns well with Dongfeng’s ambitions in the region.
"Slovenia is an important partner of China in the European Union," Wang stated, expressing gratitude for Slovenia’s stance against proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. He noted that tariffs are not the solution to trade differences.
Marko Femc, CEO of Plan-net Avto, Slovenia’s largest importer of electric vehicles and the official importer of Dongfeng cars, echoed these sentiments. He remarked that China leads in electric mobility development and urged European countries to collaborate with Chinese manufacturers to foster growth in this sector.
New Models Introduced
The following models were unveiled during the event:
- Electric Models:
- Petrol Models:
These new offerings are designed to cater to the diverse needs of Slovenian consumers, combining modern aesthetics with advanced technology and performance.
Government Support for New Energy Vehicles
Slovenia has been proactive in promoting new energy vehicles, offering substantial government subsidies. This supportive environment has made Dongfeng’s entry into the market timely and advantageous. The new energy models launched are expected to resonate well with local consumers, who are increasingly seeking sustainable transportation options.
Future Outlook
Dongfeng’s general manager for the EU region, Xie Qian, shared ambitious sales targets, aiming to sell 800 cars in Slovenia this year and potentially doubling or tripling that figure in the next five years. Jernej Salecl, director general of the Directorate for Industry, Business and Internationalisation at Slovenia’s Ministry of Economy, welcomed Chinese investments, stating, "We see that the future of mobility belongs to China, and we would like to be a great part of this future success."
The establishment of the sales and technical center not only signifies Dongfeng’s commitment to the Slovenian market but also represents a strategic move to enhance its brand presence in Europe. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Dongfeng is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of mobility in Slovenia and beyond.
