Stellantis launches a new three-year plan in China

Stellantis in China: a group-wide strategic revitalization

The presence of the Stellantis Group in China, through its historic brands like Citroën and Peugeot, spans more than three decades. While this foundation was solid, global restructuring and the rapid rise of local competitors had weakened its position, nearly leading to a total exit. However, led by Stellantis and its partner Dongfeng, a major strategic decision was made: to stay and rebuild. In 2026, this commitment is materialized through the "Shenlong Three-Year Revitalization Action Plan," an ambitious roadmap to reposition the group's brands at the heart of the world's largest automotive market.

Renewed sales momentum for the Shenlong joint venture

The initial indicators for the first quarter of 2026 validate Stellantis' new direction. The joint venture Shenlong Automobile Co., Ltd. recorded a solid 17.8% increase in business volume. This result is particularly significant as Stellantis managed to grow despite an overall decline in the Chinese market. This strong start provides the necessary foundation for achieving annual goals and illustrates the effectiveness of the "China for the World" strategy.

This commercial recovery is driven by a "dual-brand" approach where both Peugeot and Citroën play complementary roles. Within this framework, the Citroën C5 X stands as a central pillar of Stellantis' sales in China. A critical and commercial success, this model allows the group to maintain high visibility while waiting for the future expansion of the product portfolio promised by the three-year plan.

Optimized portfolio and retail network management

For Stellantis, revitalization requires a drastic simplification of the customer experience. The Dongfeng-Stellantis joint venture has established a transparent, fixed-price model, first introduced during the launch of the new Versailles C5 X on March 23rd. By eliminating traditional complex negotiations, the group is betting on the intrinsic value of its products to win over customers.

The new C5 X range, available in Joyful, Driving, and Radiant versions, concentrates Stellantis' technological expertise with the 360THP turbo engine and Aisin 8-speed transmission. But the offensive goes beyond the product. To support this momentum, Stellantis held an annual dealer conference under the theme of innovation. The opening of new authorized sales points across the country demonstrates the group's commitment to strengthening its network. You can also discover all the information on the C5 X in China to understand the details of this update.

Marketing and service: The core of Stellantis' rebirth

Beyond engineering, Stellantis is leveraging a multidimensional marketing strategy to increase brand awareness. The group has multiplied strategic partnerships, notably with the "Study the Great Nation" platform, allowing learning points to be converted into car-buying incentives. Media visibility was also reinforced by repeated appearances on the national channel CCTV, affirming the permanence of the French presence in China.

Service has become a crucial loyalty driver. Shenlong Automobile's "Five Hearts Protection" campaign proved its effectiveness with over 130,000 safety checks performed before the Chinese New Year. With 24/7 technical assistance and a "Lifetime Engine" warranty, Stellantis aims to build total trust with its customers. This proactivity seeks to transform a simple vehicle purchase into long-term brand loyalty for the group.

A long-term vision for the world's leading market

The Chinese market remains an extremely complex environment, requiring massive investments and constant reactivity. While Stellantis may have seemed withdrawn in the past, this new three-year plan marks a clear realization: the group cannot afford to lack a strong presence in China if it wants to maintain its global standing.

By relying on the performance of the C5 X and a deep restructuring of its services, Stellantis is laying the groundwork for a sustainable revival. This promising start in the first quarter of 2026 is the first step in a recovery strategy that must ultimately integrate new electric models to meet local demands. For now, the group is proving that with determination and a refined customer offer, growth is still possible in this demanding market.