Following Stellantis’ investment in the Chinese company Leapmotor and the creation of Leapmotor International (LPMI) as a joint venture, the two car manufacturers have announced a further step to strengthen their partnership. Spain is at the heart of this new phase, particularly the plants that the European company, headquartered in the Netherlands, has in Zaragoza and Madrid.

The first aim of the new agreement will be to significantly increase production at Stellantis’ plant in Figueruelas (Zaragoza). To do so, the company is considering adding a new line to manufacture Opel’s new electric C-SUV BEV model, which will use LPMI-sourced components, possibly from 2028 onwards. Before that, it is expected that Leapmotor will start production of its C-SUV B10 model at the plant this year.

 EMEA market exports
The other plant set to benefit directly from the new agreement is the one in Villaverde (Madrid), which will be allocated future Leapmotor products. A new vehicle from the brand is expected in the first half of 2028, coinciding with the end of Citroën C4 production. This plant, whose ownership could be transferred to LPMI’s Spanish subsidiary, will meet the upcoming Made-in-Europe requirements. Vehicles produced there will be sold by LPMI in the EMEA market (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).

The two partners also plan to collaborate through LPMI in the procurement area. Their aim is to boost price competitiveness by tapping into China’s new-energy vehicle ecosystem, while both make use of European supply chain capabilities to strengthen resilience and accelerate the time to market for their new models.

Localising manufacturing in Europe
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa believes that the agreement is “a genuine benefit for both parties. It is expected to support production and drive progress in localising the manufacture of world-class electric vehicles in Europe, at affordable prices and to meet customers’ real needs.”

For Leapmotor’s founder and CEO, Zhu Jiangming, this is “a unique and powerful partnership. Our joint venture, Leapmotor International, has quickly demonstrated its benefits for both partners and in less than three years it has seen us launch our brand on all five continents and significantly increase our reach and international reputation.”

Exclusive rights outside China
Stellantis became Leapmotor’s largest individual shareholder in October 2023 by purchasing approximately 21% of its shares. Leapmotor International was created at the same time, with Stellantis holding a 51% stake and Leapmotor holding the remaining 49%. This joint venture holds the exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor products outside China.

Over the past 18 months, LPMI’s business has grown remarkably, with more than 850 sales and service points and over 40,000 deliveries in Europe in 2025, the year it expanded its activities into South America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The brand was introduced in Mexico this year.

^{Photo: Stellantis}