Stellantis Expands Leapmotor Partnership to Localize European Production

Stellantis and Leapmotor Deepen Alliance for European Localization

On May 8, 2026, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership, aimed at accelerating the localization of electric vehicle (EV) production in Europe. According to the two parties, the cooperation mainly includes following three aspects:

Optimizing Manufacturing Footprint in Spain

Firstly, optimizing manufacturing footprints in Spain to meet growing demand. A primary component of the plan involves evaluating a new production line at the Stellantis Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza. This line is intended for an all-electric C-segment SUV under the Opel brand, scheduled for 2028, and the Leapmotor B10 model, which could begin production as early as late 2026. According to Stellantis, the Figueruelas facility currently produces the Peugeot 208 and Lancia Ypsilon.

Long-Term Development Support for Villaverde Plant

Secondly, support for the Villaverde plant in Madrid. The two companies are exploring the transfer of the factory's ownership to Leapmotor International’s Spanish subsidiary. This strategic move is intended to provide long-term development support for the facility following the conclusion of Citroën C4 production. Starting in the first half of 2028, the plant is scheduled to manufacture new Leapmotor models, ensuring that these vehicles meet "Made in Europe" requirements. Leapmotor International, will manage the sales and distribution of these locally manufactured models across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Joint Purchasing Program to Enhance Competitiveness

Thirdly, beyond manufacturing cooperations, the two entities will initiate a joint purchasing program through Leapmotor International (LPMI). This synergy is designed to combine the scale of Stellantis’s global supply chain with the cost efficiencies of the Chinese new energy vehicle ecosystem. The objective is to boost price competitiveness for upcoming models and reduce the time-to-market for intelligent electric vehicles. This collaborative model aims to create a unique ecosystem that pairs Leapmotor’s technical speed with Stellantis’s deep regional brand influence and established global channels.

Leadership Endorsement

Leapmotor Founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming and Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa both voiced strong confidence in their expanded partnership, underscoring the strategic significance of the collaboration.

"Expanding our partnership with Leapmotor is a true win-win for both sides. Leapmotor is one of the fastest-growing and most recognized new energy vehicle companies globally, and a trusted partner. This cooperation plan will support the localization of electric vehicle production and capacity expansion in Europe, and is also a crucial step toward even deeper collaboration in the future," said Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis Group.

Zhu Jiangming, Founder and CEO of Leapmotor, also stated: "The combination of Leapmotor's technology with Stellantis' global distribution network, regional expertise, and brand influence will create a truly unique partnership ecosystem."

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