The Italian manufacturer DR Automobiles has just been fined several million euros for deception. He actually sells cars that are supposedly Italian but are actually designed in China.
Already singled out last year by the Italian public authorities, the DR Automobiles brand has just seen the ax fall. The competition and market authority was carrying out an investigation into this manufacturer founded in the 2000s by a former Italian racing driver who became a commercial partner of the Chinese. Quickly associated with brands such as Chery or BAIC, DR Automobiles can launch into the sale of low-cost vehicles without investing a lot of money in research and development. Some French dealers had also been attracted by the offer from DR Automobiles, which notably offers a 3.0 for less than €17,000 in LPG. A direct rival to the Dacia Duster, but less expensive… But DR Automobiles plays delicately with words by presenting itself as an Italian manufacturer while the vehicles are prefabricated and designed in China. Maybe too finely.
A proven deception
DR Automobiles buys the vehicles in kit form in China then reassembles them in Italy by equipping them with specific grilles and logos. A simple dressing up which does not mislead the Italian competition and market authority. Which has just imposed a fine of 6 million euros on DR Automobiles for deception. The brand should probably have expected this since the investigation has been going on for several months. But since its arrival on the Italian market, its sales have continued to increase to reach 32,000 units in 2023, growing by more than 50%.. DR Automobiles had therefore certainly set aside a sum while awaiting the court’s decision.
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