Asia Tech Wire (Apr 17) -- Chinese state-owned automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp. has denied rumors that it plans to build a factory in Italy as its premium electric car brand Voyah enters the country.

Voyah held a press conference in Italy on Tuesday, announcing that it has become the first Chinese state-owned premium new energy vehicle brand to enter the country.

According to Voyah, the first 100 units of the Voyah Passion, as well as the latest versions of the Voyah Free and Voyah Dreamer, that the company brought to Italy were quickly snapped up.

In addition to the introduction of the three electric models, Voyah will be bringing its hybrid models to Italy as soon as possible.

Voyah also made an appearance at Milan Design Week with its i-Cozy concept car. It partnered with Italian furniture brand Natuzzi to co-present the i-Cozy concept car with new Natuzzi products on Via Durini.

Since starting to establish its overseas footprint in 2022, Voyah has ventured into European countries such as Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, exporting nearly 10,000 vehicles to them cumulatively.

As Voyah announced its expansion into Italy, its parent company Dongfeng denied rumors that it was planning to build capacity in the country.

Earlier, reports said Dongfeng was in talks with the Italian government to build a plant in the country with an annual capacity of more than 100,000 units.

In response, Dongfeng said on Wednesday that this "was false news".