On March 3, Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile launched its new energy vehicle (NEV) brand called Hedmos (or Shijie in Chinese), which comes from head+most, meaning leading and advanced. The brand’s first model – a pure electric SUV, will start pre-sale in April in the price range of 100,000 – 150,000 yuan (13,700 – 20,600 USD), followed by launch and delivery in May.

Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile, a joint venture between Dongfeng and Stellantis located in Wuhan (Hubei Province) China, owns brands including Dongfeng Citroen, Dongfeng Peugeot, and Dongfeng Fukang. As one of the earliest joint venture automakers to enter the Chinese market, Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile once reached a peak of 700,000 vehicles sold annually in 2015. But then, its sales began to decline. By 2020, Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile’s wholesale sales were only 50,000 vehicles.

It is reported that as early as 2019, Dongfeng registered the “Shijie” and “Hedmos” trademarks.

The brand logo evolved from the shape of a “compass needle pointing to the north”, symbolizing guiding the direction and exploring the unknown, according to the official. In the future, Hedmos will share the sales network with Dongfeng Citroen and Dongfeng Peugeot.

Furthermore, in the recent vehicle declaration catalog from the Chinese MIIT, the Fukang 06’s rear center displayed the Hedmos brand name, and the manufacturer is Dongfeng. Positioned as a compact SUV, the Fukang 06 has a length, width, and height of 4670 mm, 1900 mm, and 1617 mm, respectively. The maximum power of the electric motor is 160 kW (215 hp), the top speed is 170 km/h, and the lithium iron phosphate battery packs are supplied by CALB-Tech.

Fukang – a classic car under Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile, was the first car of many Chinese families. However, due to the intensification of market competition, Fukang was discontinued in 2009. There used to be a say in Chinese “Walk on Fukang Road, ride in Fukang Car”.

Comparing the images, Hedmos’ first model has the same front face as the Fukang 06. It is likely that the Fukang 06 is the first model. At this time, no other specifications were revealed. We’ll watch for more info.

Source: Yiche, Sohu