EVwire brief: Chinese state-owned automaker Dongfeng is preparing to enter the Canadian market in 2027, beginning with two affordable electric vehicles expected to retail for under CA$35,000 (about US$25,500) as the company takes advantage of Canada's new import quota for Chinese-built EVs.
Dongfeng showcased six electric vehicles at Montreal's Grand Quay, marking what is believed to be one of the first public pre-launch displays by a Chinese automaker in Canada. The company says its Vigo mini SUV and Box subcompact EV are currently undergoing federal certification ahead of their planned launch.
The Vigo is one of Dongfeng’s vehicles that are expected to enter Canada.
Rather than rushing into dealerships, Dongfeng says it is first seeking feedback from Canadian consumers. Julie Mazorra Fernandez, director of North World Industry, the company's Canadian distributor, told The Globe and Mail that the goal is to demonstrate that Chinese EVs can deliver both quality and affordability.
"We're doing this step by step. The first thing is to get comments from the public. We really want to show that these are quality cars that are affordable."
Canada's changing trade policy has opened the door for manufacturers like Dongfeng. Earlier this year, Ottawa replaced its 100% tariff on Chinese-built EVs with a quota system that allows 49,000 vehicles to enter annually under a 6.1% tariff, with the quota increasing 6.5% each year. As of May, 6,531 Chinese EVs had already entered Canada under the new program.
X user @SimplyGregster shared some images from the event.
Context:
Dongfeng is one of China's largest state-owned automakers, producing passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and buses while operating manufacturing partnerships with global automakers including Nissan and Stellantis.
Although the company is not as well known internationally as BYD or Geely, it has been steadily expanding its overseas footprint as Chinese automakers look beyond their domestic market.
The Vigo will compete in the crossover SUV market.
Canada is emerging as one of those new opportunities. While Chinese EV brands remain effectively shut out of the United States, Canada's quota system provides manufacturers with a limited pathway into the market.
Alongside Dongfeng, companies such as BYD and Chery have also been preparing Canadian launches, signaling that the country's EV landscape could become significantly more competitive over the next few years, particularly in the affordable vehicle segment.
Beyond Dongfeng
Dongfeng is not the only Chinese EV maker that’s making a splash in Canada. Greg also shared some photos of other Chinese electric vehicles that have arrived in the country, such as these Chery EVs.
Here’s Greg’s video of the vehicles:
Source: The Globe and Mail
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