Stellantis and Leapmotor Deepen European Collaboration with Joint EV Production

[International Cooperation] Stellantis and Leapmotor are expanding their partnership to jointly produce two electric vehicle models in Spain.

Core Development: Local Production in Europe Starting in 2026

The two companies will produce the Leapmotor B10 at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant using a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model, with production scheduled to begin as early as Q4 2026. Additionally, they will co-develop a C-segment all-electric SUV, leveraging Leapmotor’s EV platform while Opel handles design and engineering adaptation, targeting production launch in 2028.

Strategic Rationale: Optimizing Capacity and Strengthening Cost Advantage

This collaboration aims to combine China’s triad EV supply chain (batteries, motors, and power electronics) with Europe’s manufacturing infrastructure to enhance price competitiveness and accelerate time-to-market. The move also helps Stellantis utilize its idle European capacity and rebuild its product portfolio following a €22 billion impairment charge on its EV projects.

Industry Impact: A New Model of China-Europe Automaker Collaboration Emerges

This partnership marks a shift from distribution-focused ties to joint development and local manufacturing between mainstream European automakers and Chinese EV startups, potentially setting a precedent for a new wave of cross-border production synergy.