Dongfeng Automotive Plans Entry into Canadian Market, Two EVs Expected in 2027

Dongfeng Automotive Group is accelerating its plan to enter the Canadian market — becoming yet another Chinese automaker targeting the China–Canada EV low-tariff quota, following BYD and Chery. According to Julie Mazorra Fernández, head of Canadian distributor North World Industry, Dongfeng aims to officially launch its first vehicles in Canada in 2027 and is currently undergoing vehicle certification.

This move builds on a bilateral agreement reached in January 2026 between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping: Canada will suspend its 100% punitive tariff on up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs (added atop the base 6.1% tariff) for one year; in exchange, China will lower import tariffs on select Canadian agricultural products. The quota is set to expand gradually in subsequent years.

Previously, the high-tariff policy introduced by Justin Trudeau's government in 2024 effectively blocked Chinese EVs from entering Canada — even Tesla had to revise its export strategy from its Shanghai plant to Canada. Today, Tesla has already begun large-scale imports of Shanghai-built models under this new quota, while other Chinese brands have yet to achieve substantive sales launches.

Mazorra Fernández stated that Dongfeng will first raise brand awareness through an exhibition event at Montreal's Old Port, showcasing models including the Vigo and Nammi Box 01. She emphasized: "We're fully committed to advancing the certification process and expect to launch our first two models next year — in 2027."

Notably, Dongfeng's ambitions extend beyond whole car exports. Mazorra Fernández confirmed that local production is part of its long-term roadmap — Dongfeng has already established joint-venture manufacturing partnerships with Stellantis and Nissan in Europe and South America, and Canada could become a new pillar in its global production network. "They don't just want to import vehicles — they aim to build broader commercial partnerships with Canadian enterprises."