Dongfeng open for business
Dongfeng has celebrated its official launch in New Zealand by announcing pricing details for its fully electric Box, the marque’s entry model for a range of EVs it plans to bring to the domestic market.
The hatchback, which has a WLTP range of 317km, is available at Armstrong’s Dongfeng dealerships in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and comes with a special launch price of $29,990 plus on-road costs.
Dongfeng Motor says the five-seater Box has one of the largest boot sizes in its class, the longest wheelbase, automatic parking and a six-way, electronically adjustable driver seat with memory, which offers heating and ventilation functionality.
“The new model really does tick the boxes when breaking barriers to EV ownership,” says Simon Rutherford, chief executive officer of Armstrong’s Distribution Limited.
“It overdelivers in terms of range, specification and performance and, when the launch offer is taken into consideration, it delivers astonishing value.
“This is a major, barrier-breaking milestone. The largest passenger segment, which had been without an EV option for the past 1.5 years, now finally offers a choice.
“The Dongfeng Box leads the charge by not only reintroducing electric mobility to the light passenger segment but also achieving a price point traditionally reserved for ICE vehicles.”
Armstrong’s Distribution Limited, in conjunction with Heartland Bank, has also announced the launch of Dongfeng Finance to help more consumers choose an EV.
Arek Zywot, Dongfeng New Zealand’s general manager, says the finance arm has been developed to provide people with greater choice, flexibility and accessibility when purchasing a vehicle.
He adds the finance solutions it will offer “are designed to make EV ownership easier and more affordable, helping customers drive away in their new Dongfeng with confidence”.
“Dongfeng Finance offers a range of tailored products including personal loans, leasing options and guaranteed future value, with additional products to follow,” says Zywot.
Dongfeng NZ’s line-up is set to expand in the first quarter of next year with the arrival of its Vigo and 007 models.
All Dongfeng models available in New Zealand will come with a six-year/200,000km warranty, six-year roadside assistance and eight-year/200,000km traction battery warranty package as standard.
