The Italian government has imposed a $6.4 million fine on DR Automobiles for allegedly misrepresenting vehicles made in China as being manufactured in Italy. The company, based in southern Italy, primarily assembles low-cost cars using components from Chinese manufacturers like Chery, BAIC, and JAC. Despite this, DR Automobiles marketed their DR and EVO brands as Italian-made, although the cars were predominantly of Chinese origin, with only minor assembly and finishing completed in Italy. This misleading practice coincided with significant sales growth in the Italian market for DR and EVO vehicles. Italy and the EU are increasingly scrutinizing cars manufactured outside the trading bloc, recently seizing Morocco-made Fiat Topolinos due to misleading Italian insignia. The EU has also threatened increased import taxes on Chinese electric vehicles, sparking international trade tensions with China and the US.