Long before we talk about the onslaught of Chinese electric cars in Europe they have already crept in. Although we didn’t hear much about them back then, Chinese brands were established a few years ago in certain strategic markets. Liberalization of the Russian market after The collapse of the USSR in 1991 thus caused a wave of Chinese manufacturers to the largest country in the world: Chery, Geely, GreatWall. Several of its former satellite countries, and neighbors in particular, became interested in it in the early 2000s. Yes, the manufacturer in Ukraine ZAZ assembled Chery models in setsbefore switching to 100% locally produced JAC J5 in 2012. Bulgarianational producer Litex Motors collected in 2008 Great Wall models. In particular, the Voleex city car, the Steed pickup and the Hover SUV.

DR Motors, an Italian exception

But much closer to home, on the other side of the Alps, Italy entered the Chinese automotive adventure very early ! Since 2006, the company DR-Motors came out of the ground! Founded by an Italian industrialist, he realized very early excellent value for money some Chinese models. Seeing the interest in offering them in Italy. The brand was associated exclusively with Cheryto distribute your models locally.

How is it in 2007 DR 5 was born, the Chery Tiggo, barely rebadged. A model known to have been inspired by the second generation Toyota RAV4! from, the brand has increased the number of models, and currently offers four in its range. It is about exclusively SUV : B segment DR 3 and C segment DR 4/5, DR F35 and DR 6. The brand launches its first model without SUVs and 100% electric: DR 1.

DR 1.0 EV, anti-Dacia Spring

Based on the Chery eQ1, the DR 1 is a City car who wishes to compete on the spot with Dacia Spring and, more local, In particular, the Fiat 500e. It’s a very small chip that only has two doors, but it still can carry four passengers. It is powered by an electric motor 60 horsepower, for a maximum speed of 120 km/h. Its 31 kWh battery allows the range is 294 kilometers. They can be recharged in 35 minutes on a fast charger. It is offered from €25,900 in Italywith a very rich standard fund. In France, the DR brand is officially distributed in Brive-la-Gaillard (Corez) by importer Valenti. If he decides to import this new model, it will soon be available for sale in France!