Dormant for over 70 years, the Detroit Electric nameplate is poised to return on cars made for the domestic Chinese market – where the word “Detroit” still holds some cachet.
Shortly after partnering with Lotus’ Malaysian parent company Proton, Detroit Electric inked a deal with Dongfeng Motor Corporation to use Detroit Electric’s battery-electric drivetrain technology for upcoming Dongfeng models. According to a statement from the company, some of those cars might even make it to Europe and the US.
“This cooperation with Dongfeng allows us to work closely with a strong partner in China to explore various ways to enter the world’s largest vehicle market,” Detroit Electric CEO (and former Lotus boss) Albert Lam said in a statement. “I believe our PEVs will appeal to many Chinese consumers and benefit everyone.”
Electric cars for the world’s fastest-growing automotive market? Now that’s an idea we can get behind.
Right now, the partnership includes enough talk of targets, “entry strategy” and the all important “study and exploration” to fill a week’s worth of Dilbert strips. The two companies haven’t yet decided whether their new cars should be launched under the Dongfeng brand or under the Detroit Electric brand — a nameplate that last appeared on a US-built battery-electric back in 1939 — or whether the joint venture could market their shared technology to third-party manufacturers.
While Detroit Electric’s partnership with Proton hasn’t yet led to streets filled with silent, Malaysian-made sedans like the one shown above, the automaker’s claims are pretty realistic: up to 200 miles per charge, 0-60 in 8 seconds, and a top speed of 112 mph. The same drivetrain would be powering cars from Dongfeng. If the Chinese automaker (formerly known as Second Auto Works) built cars that met NHTSA standards, we could see the Detroit Electric partnership paying off as a way to enter the US and European markets.
Despite the nebulous language, we’re encouraged by the fact that Detroit Electric has already delivered some prototypes. If they’re anything like the electrified Elise that Detroit Electric showed off last year, Shanghai Buick better watch its back.
Photos: Detroit Electric
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