Dongfeng unveils new model blitz, including sleek family SUV and R280,000 EV
Dongfeng is gearing up for a major expansion in South Africa, previewing a slew of new models at the Festival of Motoring, including a sleek SUV and an affordable electric hatchback.
Dongfeng, a lesser-known Chinese automotive company, is making a significant impact in the South African market with a series of new product introductions. Dongfeng, one of China's four major state-owned car companies, is distributed in South Africa by E Auto Motor SA, which currently operates 16 dealerships with plans to expand to around 40 by year-end.
At the Kyalami Festival of Motoring, Dongfeng unveiled a range of new products, including the Dongfeng Friday, a midsize family SUV slated for release in October. The SUV will be available in both electric and range-extended electric (REEV) variants, with prices projected to range from R560,000 to R580,000 for the REEV and R580,000 to R600,000 for the full EV.
The REEV will feature a smaller 31 kWh battery, limiting its electric range to approximately 200km, while the full EV with its 64 kWh battery should boast a 400km range.
Additionally, Dongfeng previewed its new Kaiyi family of compact electric vehicles. The smallest vehicle in the lineup, the Kaiyi e-Qute 04, is expected to retail for around R280,000 to R300,000, making it the cheapest electric car on the market. However, its range of 280km and modest 40kW motor may limit its appeal beyond urban driving. The Kaiyi brand will also introduce a larger SUV, the '05', with an output of 120kW and a claimed range of 410km, priced between R520,000 and R550,000.
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