The partnership aims to further boost Leapmotor’s sales in China, the biggest market in the world, while leveraging Stellantis’ established global commercial presence

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, May 23, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Leapmotor International, a 51/49 Stellantis-led company between Stellantis (https://www.Stellantis.com/en) and Leapmotor, is dedicated to redefining electric vehicles through cutting- edge technology and innovation and boasting comprehensive, in-house development capabilities; Leapmotor International expansion plans will boost scale very quickly, helping drive value for both Leapmotor and Stellantis; Leapmotor International to start operations in Europe by September 2024 through 200 points of sales by the end of the year with plans to expand to India & Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America starting in the fourth quarter; T03 and C10 models will launch first with at least one new model to be introduced every year in the next three years; T03 is an urban savvy A-segment competitive electric vehicle featuring 265 km WLTP range with B-segment comparable interior space; C10 stands as a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, featuring 420 km WLTP range, 5-star E-NCAP.

Stellantis N.V. and Leapmotor today announced that the two companies have received all required authorizations and the formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the management team led by CEO Tianshu Xin, a former Stellantis China executive, are now laying the groundwork for a successful introduction of the T03 and C10 first in the European markets and expanding to India & Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Middle East & Africa, and South America starting in the fourth quarter 2024.

In October 2023, the two companies announced (https://apo-opa.co/3WRZuby) a Stellantis investment of ca. €1.5 billion to acquire approximately 21% equity in Leapmotor, an automotive company ranked in the top 3 Chinese EV startup brands in 2023. The deal also outlined the formation of Leapmotor International, which would have exclusive rights for the export and sale, as well as manufacturing, of Leapmotor products outside Greater China. The partnership aims to further boost Leapmotor’s sales in China, the biggest market in the world, while leveraging Stellantis’ established global commercial presence to significantly accelerate Leapmotor brand sales in other regions.

The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models

“The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets around the world,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Leveraging our existing global presence, we will soon be able to offer our customers price competitive and tech-centric electric vehicles that will exceed their expectations. Under Tianshu Xin’s leadership, they have built a compelling worldwide commercial and industrial strategy to quickly ramp-up the sales distribution channels to support Leapmotor’s robust growth and create value for both partners.”

“The partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis demonstrates a high level of efficiency, opening a new chapter in the global integration of China’s intelligent electric vehicle industry,” said Leapmotor Founder, Chairman and CEO Jiangming Zhu. “Leveraging Leapmotor’s cutting-edge technology and products, along with Stellantis’ support in areas such as overseas channels, services, and marketing, we hope that users around the world can experience the exceptional driving and riding experience brought by Leapmotor products. We believe that this cooperation can give Leapmotor a boost to become a respected world-class intelligent electric vehicle company.”

Leapmotor International’s EV product offering is considered complementary to Stellantis’ current technology and portfolio of iconic brands and will bring more affordable mobility solutions to global customers. Leveraging Stellantis distribution channels, the launch plan will begin in Europe – France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Romania – starting in September 2024 supported by dedicated country managers and 200 points of sales by the end of the year, including Stellantis &You locations, ramping up to 500 by 2026 to ensure a high level of service for customers. In late 2024, the Leapmotor product launch roll-out will expand to the Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Israel and French Overseas), India & Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and India), and South America (Brazil and Chile).

About the Leapmotor C10 and T03

The Leapmotor C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product, built according to global design and safety standards. The C10 is based on Leapmotor’s self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, featuring industry-leading intelligent electric technology such as central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and its flagship intelligent cockpit. It is a fully equipped, family-centric D- segment vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, featuring 420 km WLTP range, and a 5-star E-NCAP rating. After winning the “2023 International CMF Design Award” for its technological and natural aesthetic design, it recently won the 2024 Gold Award from the French Design Awards (FDA).

The Leapmotor T03 is a small five-door, A-segment urban boutique commuter car with B-segment interior space. It is not only stylish but also a pleasure to drive and features 265 km WLTP range. It ranked No. 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Study in the small BEV segment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.