The Italian firm DR Automobiles has to face a fine of about 6 million euros for having carried out misleading advertising about the true origin of its products. The AGCM (Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercado, Italian competition authority) considers that DR has sold its cars (both DR and EVO) as if they were of Italian origin when in reality they are models from Chinese groups such as Chery, JAC or BAIC.
6 million euros for something that was never intended to be a secret
In both the case of DR and EVO, it is cars whose large part of the manufacturing is carried out in China, with the final assembly and some final touches being carried out in Italian lands. Specifically, the DR Automobiles factory is located in Macchia d’Isernia, between the center and the south of the country. A good part of their models are Chery cars assembled in Italy with the DR logo, something that has not been a secret at any time.
The fine imposed on DR is also based on the fact that the parts and after-sales service department has not offered sufficient service to customers in both areas, which represents a potential infringement of consumer rights. Both DR and this department have 60 days to communicate the steps to rectify the problems or deficiencies highlighted by the AGCM.
DR believes that they will be able to appeal and avoid having to pay the fine
Photo of – Italy punishes this brand for having sold cars of Chinese origin that were assembled within the country
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DR plans to appeal the AGCM’s decision stating that they never ensured that the cars were 100% manufactured in Italy. According to the statements of its founder Massimo Di Risio, they are sure that the appeal will be successful. In addition, they have planned a new production plant to develop new models in the future (Automotive News Europe).
While the DR are based on Chery models, the EVO are essentially the rebadged JACscase of the EVO Cross 4 which is the JAC Shuailing T8 pickup. In the case of Chery something funny happens considering that the DR 6.0 is the same car as the Chery Tiggo 7… which in essence will also be assembled in Spain as Jaecoo 8 at the Zona Franca factory in Barcelona.
Another episode with the Italian authorities
This episode is one more that has to do with the Italian authorities and its regulations regarding the origin of products of Italian origin. The most famous is undoubtedly that of the Alfa Romeo Junior, which was originally supposed to be called Milano, but which changed its name as it was not manufactured in Milan or another part of Italy but in the Stellantis plant in Vychy, Poland. Another recent case was that of the Fiat Topolino from which the Italian flag had to be removed when this model was manufactured in Morocco. – They also had to remove the Italian flags from behind the Fiat 600, also manufactured in Vychy.
Photo of – Italy punishes this brand for having sold cars of Chinese origin that were assembled within the country
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