The importation of Chinese cars into Italy, in addition to the projects of large groups such as BYD and others, passes through curious commercial channels set up by groups of more or less well-known dealers. Who sometimes argue with each other
May 2, 2024
THE high prices and, in the Covid period, the shortage of cars available it made it grow a little quietly the Chinese car market in Italy, but we are not talking about the arrival of the big brands with great fanfare (which is also happening) but about commercial agreements to import small or large batches of “made in China” models with brands almost completely unknown or personalized with Italian names and acronyms.
The most famous case is that of the now historic one DR Of Massimo di Risio which has been importing more or less complete cars from China for many years and has long had a real factory in Macchia d’Isernia. In this case the Chinese origin is not entirely explicit and, in fact, the Antitrust is still investigating for misleading advertising.
More recent is the experience of Cirelli, which has a finishing and LPG installation plant in Verdellino (BG) and a widespread network of 50 authorized dealers and workshops, but very openly declares to resell Chinese productsin particular of Dongfeng like the SUV 5, the first model launched in Italy which will be followed by others.
The case China Car company (i.e. cars DFSK) is more complex: the company today issued a statement in which it claims to be the only authorized distributor in Italy for models built by DFSK Motor which is a Chinese joint venture of the group Dongfeng with Chongqing Yu’an. China Car Company based in Prato (FI) and Livorno informs you that you have an agreement exclusive as sole distributor and importer for Italy of DFSK brand models (to be honest, a little difficult to pronounce: what car do you have? A dieffessekappa; luckily the name Glory was associated with her). There are 30 dealerships in Italy and the clarification probably comes following rumors that these cars are also on sale at other “unauthorised” dealers which have spread over the recent Beijing Motor Show.
This situation is generating a bit of confusion, both as regards the origin of the cars and the possible consequences on guarantees in the event of failure, as well as, and this is perhaps the most worrying aspect, the availability of spare parts which unfortunately has never been the strong point of Chinese car importers in Italy, either due to the physical distance from the factories, or because widespread logistics requires a lot of money and perfect organisation. Those who rely on what we could call the avant-gardes of the Chinese invasion is warned: the prices are very inviting, but a little caution is a must.
