While some carmakers were trying to open their plants in China, the Italian company DR Motor Company had the idea to do the other way around and re-badged Chinese cars built in Europe.
Massimo Di Risio founded DR Motor in 2006, imported knock-down kits from China, and assembled them in Macchia d’Isernia, in Italy. Some parts were produced in Europe, and the final products were available at some supermarkets. That business idea paid off, and thanks to their very low price, the sales started to pick-off with the DR1 model, which was a re-badged Cherry QQ. DR Motor introduced the DR2 model at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show based on the Cherry A1 model.

With a design that might create a mixed feeling of sadness and disappointment, the DR2 showed a front fascia with angled headlights and a very narrow grille crossed by a chromed horizontal slat. In the lower bumper, the carmaker installed a reversed trapezoidal trim that surrounded a mesh-grille. From the A-pillars to the back, the rest of the car resembled the DR1, or the Chevrolet Spark, while the taillights looked like they were inspired by the Tata Nano or the Fiat Punto or both.

The cabin was big enough for up to five passengers, although only three skinny ones could sit in the back. Its plastic dashboard sported silver trims for the vents, the instrument cluster, and the center stack.

DR installed a 1.3-liter gasoline engine under the DR2’s hood. The Italian carmaker offered the vehicle an option for LPG to cut fuel costs and increase the range.