Last Friday, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced they are exploring expanding their strategic partnership through a series of initiatives to build on the early success of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Stellantis’ German brand, Opel, has now officially confirmed the joint development of a new electric SUV with Leapmotor. We’ll report on that in detail in a separate article.
The intention to expand the strategic partnership is aimed at several levels. First, increasing production at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant, Opel’s historical manufacturing site, where an all-new electric battery-powered Opel C-SUV would be added on a new line alongside Leapmotor’s C-SUV B10 model.
Secondly, enabling the Zaragoza-produced new Opel C-SUV to benefit from components enabled by the Leapmotor International (LPMI) ecosystem, thereby enhancing affordability. Thirdly, expanding LPMI’s joint purchasing initiatives to increase Stellantis’ European BEV affordability and accelerate time-to-market for new models. And fourthly, reinforcing the future of Stellantis’ Villaverde, Madrid plant, by allocating Leapmotor’s future products for European and global markets.
Short historical overview
In October 2023, Stellantis became the single largest shareholder of Leapmotor by acquiring an approximately 21% stake. At the same time, Leapmotor International (LPMI) was launched as a 51% Stellantis/49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights to the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China.
The LPMI business has experienced strong growth in Europe over the last 18 months. Since launching the T03 and C10 models in 2024, LPMI has expanded its presence across the region to more than 850 points of sale and service, with more than 40,000 shipments in Europe in 2025.
In 2025, LPMI expanded its activities to South America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, and introduced the brand in Mexico in April 2026.
Extended cooperation
As already stipulated, Stellantis and Leapmotor intend to deepen and expand their cooperation as follows. Firstly, in a move to significantly increase production at Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant, in Zaragoza, Spain, the parties are assessing the addition of a new line to manufacture Opel’s all-new C-SUV BEV model, with timing under evaluation, including a potential start of production in 2028.
This would be in addition to the current production of the Peugeot 208 and the Lancia Ypsilon at Figueruelas. Leapmotor would also bring production of its C-SUV B10 model to the plant, potentially commencing as early as 2026. The new Opel C-SUV, considered for manufacturing at Figueruelas, would also benefit from highly competitive LPMI-sourced components, which would significantly enhance affordability for European customers.
Secondly, Stellantis and Leapmotor would also collaborate on purchasing through LPMI, leveraging their combined scale and strength. The objective would be to boost price competitiveness by leveraging the Chinese New Energy Vehicle ecosystem, while using European supply chain capabilities to strengthen resilience and accelerate time-to-market for new models.
Finally, in a move to reinforce significantly the future of Villaverde, Madrid plant, the intended expansion may include the allocation of a new Leapmotor vehicle to the plant, including potential timing from the first half of 2028. This would be particularly relevant in light of the planned end of production of the Citroën C4 at this plant.
At the same time, the plant’s ownership is under discussion for potential transfer to LPMI’s Spanish subsidiary. Manufacturing in Villaverde would align with upcoming Made-in-Europe requirements, and the vehicles would be commercialized by LPMI in the European, Middle East, and Africa (MEA) markets.
Quotes of the CEOs
Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, commented: “This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor, a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally, is a true win-win for both of us.”
“It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future,” he continued.
Zhu Jiangming, Leapmotor founder and CEO, responded: “Leapmotor’s leading-edge technologies, combined with Stellantis’ global reach, deep regional roots, and much-loved automotive brands, would make this a uniquely powerful partnership.”
“Our joint venture, Leapmotor International, has quickly shown its benefits for both partners and, in less than three years, has seen us launch our brand on five continents and significantly grow our international reach and reputation,” he concluded.
