Stellantis Expands Leapmotor Partnership: Affordable Electric Vehicles and European Production in Focus

European Manufacturing Capacity Set to Rise With New Opel C-SUV and Leapmotor Models

Stellantis and Leapmotor are strengthening their partnership, unveiling plans to significantly increase electric vehicle (EV) production in Europe. Building on a successful collaboration that already saw over 40,000 Leapmotor shipments and the launch of the Leapmotor International (LPMI) joint venture, both automakers now propose expanding manufacturing at Stellantis' Zaragoza (Figueruelas) plant. This historic facility, home to over 10 million Opel Corsas since 1982, could soon produce an all-new Opel C-SUV BEV—potentially starting in 2028—alongside Leapmotor's own C-SUV B10 as soon as 2026.

Affordability Gets a Boost Through Joint Purchasing and LPMI Ecosystem

The expanded partnership aims to make European battery electric vehicles (BEVs) more affordable for consumers. By leveraging Leapmotor International's sourcing capabilities and joint purchasing initiatives, Stellantis and Leapmotor plan to take advantage of China's mature New Energy Vehicle (NEV) ecosystem. These efforts are targeted to reduce component costs while maintaining competitive quality standards, helping Stellantis and Leapmotor cut prices and bring new models to market faster.

Ownership and Market Presence to Strengthen With Plant Transfer and Geographic Expansion

The businesses are also considering transferring ownership of the Villaverde plant (Madrid) to LPMI’s Spanish subsidiary. This would solidify 'Made-in-Europe' status for forthcoming Leapmotor vehicles and ensure local compliance as European regulations evolve. As the Citroën C4 nears end-of-life at Villaverde, Leapmotor's allocation would secure the plant's future while expanding its portfolio for both European and Middle East & Africa customers.

Global Footprint and Strategic Scale Offer Competitive Advantages

Since the inception of their joint venture in 2023, Stellantis and Leapmotor have achieved impressive international expansion: more than 850 points of sale and service across Europe, over 40,000 vehicles shipped in 2025, and new market entries spanning South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Mexico by 2026. This growing footprint not only diversifies risk but also positions both firms to compete effectively with aggressive new entrants and established players in the global EV landscape.

Executive Commentary Highlights "Win-Win" Vision

Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, describes the proposed collaboration as "a true win-win for both of us…supporting production and advancing localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers' real-world needs." Leapmotor’s founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming echoes the sentiment, highlighting how the joint venture enables expansive reach and the fusion of advanced technology with global automotive brands.

What Investors Should Watch Next

While this announcement paints a strategic roadmap for Stellantis and Leapmotor, actual outcomes hinge on regulatory approvals and final agreements—the companies cautioned that current feasibility studies are ongoing. Nevertheless, intensified European BEV ambitions, greater affordability, and a broader global footprint signify bold moves to compete in the rapidly evolving EV sector. For investors and market-watchers, the key question now is whether these ambitious plans will hit the road as scheduled—potentially redefining the European electric vehicle market along the way.

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