Driving through Italy, you may have already seen SUVs with a modern and attractive appearance with the letters “dr” on the grille, trunk lid and rims? It is normal that this name does not mean anything to you, because It is a brand reserved for Italy ! At least if we ignore the only two models sold in France since the beginning of the year by distributor Limousin. A quick look at his website where a welcome message greets you “Italian History” literally “Italian history” and we discover what it has to offer There are 7 models in the catalog : an electric sitikar, 5 SUVs and a pickup truck, all 6 exclusively thermal. And with very attractive pricing, it positions itself against Fiat in the overall segment…

La Dolce Vita, right?

The brand cultivates its DNA and its Italian philosophyhe introduces himself as “an Italian producer born in 2006 who is engaged in sophistication, style, quality and technology “. Its site contains sections, addresses and contacts in Italian, and the company logo is highlighted by the tricolor flag of the peninsula. Italian manufacturer! So far, nothing amazing, you can say. But there is not enough here DR Automobiles is as Italian as MG Motor France is French or Nio Gmbh German. He is only an intermediary, only one importer of a foreign brand. And what brand is it about? Chinese: DR cars are actually modified Chery models. For more than 15 years, the manufacturer has been distributing its cars in the country not on its own behalf, but through this Italian company.

In the field of competition agency

If she wants to cooperate with a local company or open her own sales network, it is of course up to her. But the problem is that neither its website nor its brochures indicate the Chinese origin of the cars. Considered an ideal Italian manufacturer, ambassador of La Dolce Vita like Fiat, Alfa Romeo or Lancia. Subtlety that is not to taste Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), who accuses DR of embezzlement in unable to communicate the true origin of their cars.

According to the press release, the company “would have omitted relevant information about their origin [de ses véhicules, NDLR] assuming that they are completely made in Italy, whereas these are vehicles made in China. “. She continues: “Agents of the Office have fulfilled checks at the head office of DR Automobiles srl with the help of the special anti-monopoly unit of the Guardia di Finanza. “. The investigation is ongoing, but this case can force some Chinese manufacturers to be more transparent regarding the origin of their products…

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