Carmakers BAIC, Dongfeng’s Spanish Partner Aims for Local Supply

Dongfeng Motor Group Co. and BAIC Motor Corp.’s Spanish partner is lining up European suppliers and planning a small battery assembly operation as a way to comply with tightening European requirements for local manufacturing.

Spanish carmaker Santana Motors aims to source 60% of all vehicle components locally within three to five years, according to Chief Executive Officer Eduardo Blanco. Santana vehicles are currently assembled from 21 imported parts in what are known as semi knocked-down kits, he said.