Another huge automotive entity in its home market will represent by Armstrong Group; outlets opening soon.

ANOTHER of China’s larger car makers is about to enter the New Zealand market, with electric product to the fore.

Dongfeng Motor is a state-owned enterprise founded in 1969 and based in Wuhan is already in 100 countries.

It will be represented nationally by Armstrong Group, which also has distribution rights to Peugeot, Citroen, LeapMotor, Opel and Smart.

The local line-up will debut with three fully electric models; the Box, Vigo and 007.

Sales operations under aegis of Armstrong’s Distribution Limited are to open soon in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with more promised in 2026.

The Box is a small electric hatchback and is the first model built on the Dongfeng Quantum Architecture S3 platform.

It promises 329-429 kilometres of range and 30 minutes for fast charging.

The 007 is a large sedan, aerodynamic and coupe-like in shape (drag coefficient down to 0.209 Cd), just under five metres long. The flagship runs a dual motor set-up creating 375kW and 730Nm, with 0 -100kmh in 3.8 seconds.

Vigo is a 4.3m long compact SUV with a 51.5kWh battery.

Armstrong Group says full specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.

It says the focus with Dongfeng is to deliver affordability, innovation and advanced safety systems, with driving ranges to suit both city commuters and long-distance travellers.

Clarity about what other products might be subsequently coming remains vague, but also its Forthing brand is also availing regionally. The latter is a maker of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Forthing has been in the process of selecting an Australian distributor to sell the Friday mid-size SUV.

Two luxury brands in its portfolio are Voyah and Mhero, which creates off-road product.

For all, the corporate mission statement is summed up with the slogan 'Drive your dreams’.

Dongfeng has also collaborated with more than 10 international vehicle and component manufacturers, including Honda, Nissan, Peugeot and Citroen.

Its offer is very broad and includes different types of vehicles, from sedans, sports utilities, people carriers and commercial vehicles, which in turn offer a complete range of products, including heavy, medium, light and mini trucks, buses, various types of pick-ups and specially equipped vehicles.

It sold 2.42 million vehicles in 2023, generating a turnover of more than $NZ107 billion.

Armstrong’s founder and executive director Rick Armstrong says Dongfeng’s arrival will make premium-quality EVs more accessible.

“These vehicles combine world-class engineering with cutting-edge technology, all at a price point that makes premium quality more accessible than ever. We’re all about removing barriers and delivering vehicles which are a dream to drive.”

“Our goal is to challenge and then exceed expectations,” said ADL chief executive Simon Rutherford.

“We’re confident Dongfeng offers qualities and attributes that motorists demand.

“It’s a future focused and progressive marque which fulfils what Kiwis have been dreaming about driving - a range of attractive, attainable vehicles designed to revolutionise the way New Zealanders interact with and experience next-generation mobility.”

Comment about the distribution deal came from Zhu Xun, who appears to head Dongfeng’s Southeast Asia region of passenger vehicle sales and marketing department.

“As one of the largest automotive groups in New Zealand, Armstrong’s was a natural choice for us and we look forward to long and successful co-operation. New Zealand is a very important market for us as we expand to more right-hand drive overseas markets.”