Gasgoo Munich- On May 12, Dongfeng Motor and COSCO Shipping signed a new round of strategic cooperation agreements in Wuhan, marking an expansion of their long-term partnership as China's automotive industry accelerates its global ambitions.
Image source: Dongfeng Motor
Under the new agreement, the two companies will strengthen collaboration in overseas logistics operations and autonomous container trucking at ports, while broadening strategic coordination across multiple business areas. The latest deal represents a significant upgrade to the partnership first established in 2017 and aligns closely with Dongfeng Motor's expanding international growth strategy.
To ensure efficient implementation, Dongfeng Motor and COSCO Shipping plan to establish regular coordination mechanisms spanning multiple operational levels and business segments. Cooperation will focus on areas including fleet procurement, autonomous port transportation vehicles, shipping capacity allocation, and overseas market development.
The companies said the initiative is designed to improve the resilience and intelligence level of global supply chains while supporting the overseas expansion of China's automotive sector.
Dongfeng Motor said it is accelerating its broader transformation strategy, with new energy vehicle sales exceeding 1 million units in 2025. The automaker added that self-developed brands accounted for 63% of total sales.
Looking ahead, Dongfeng Motor plans to intensify its push into overseas markets as it works toward becoming a major vehicle exporter with annual exports targeting the 1 million-unit level. COSCO Shipping, meanwhile, will leverage its global port network, warehousing resources, and digital supply chain infrastructure to provide integrated logistics services covering ocean freight, storage, and distribution.
As part of its "Tianji Yangfan" global expansion initiative, Dongfeng Motor aims to accelerate the international rollout of its products, technologies, and brands across the entire automotive value chain. The company plans to introduce 55 global new energy vehicle models and increase the proportion of localized manufacturing overseas to 50%, underscoring its ambition to establish a more internationally integrated development model.
