Stellantis Teams Up with China’s Leapmotor for Electric Vehicle Revolution

In October 2023, Stellantis, the giant corporation that owns brands such as Fiat, Maserati, Jeep, and Chrysler, acquired approximately 21% of the shares of Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor. This acquisition granted Stellantis the rights to manufacture and sell Leapmotor’s electric vehicles, fueling the transition of Stellantis brands to electric power.

Many believe the collaboration between the massive manufacturer Stellantis and Chinese EV startup Leapmotor, combining Stellantis’s aggressive management style with Chinese manufacturing technology, could significantly influence the global automotive market. This year, Stellantis also announced its entry into the Malaysian market by producing affordable electric vehicles.

Leapmotor, a Chinese startup
Aims to enter the Southeast Asian market

While familiar with the manufacturer Stellantis, China’s Leapmotor may be relatively unknown. Established in 2015, Leapmotor develops and produces autonomous and intelligent electric vehicles, currently offering the S01, T03, C11, and C01 lineup.

The first vehicle from the Stellantis-Leapmotor partnership to enter the Malaysian market will likely be the T03. They explained that they are considering aggressively introducing affordable electric vehicles to target the Southeast Asian market. The electric hatchback T03, a compact urban electric vehicle with a length of 3,620mm, width of 1,652mm, and height of 1,605mm, is an affordable electric vehicle that costs less than 15 million Korean won (approximately $12,500).

A New Electric Vehicle Spotted Under Camouflage
Expected to be an Affordable Model

In addition to the models listed above, Leapmotor, which plans to expand its affordable electric vehicle lineup, recently spotted a camouflaged electric vehicle. The project name is A12, and there is rampant speculation that it will be a new model following the C series. However, judging from the smaller size of the C11 in the photos taken side by side, it seems to be an affordable model of the C series.

No detailed information has been released yet, but it is expected to have an interior similar to the C10 and secure a driving range of 100km~150km (approx. 62~93 miles). This model is expected to be unveiled as the successor to the C16 at the Guangzhou Motor Show later this year.

A Possible Threat in the U.S.
Could it Enter the Domestic Market?

The automotive industry in the U.S. is also buzzing as Leapmotor, which used only to impact China, is now partnering with Stellantis. Some suggest establishing a factory in the U.S. to produce and sell Leapmotor’s electric vehicles. Given the U.S.’s recent aversion to Chinese-made electric vehicles, this news is attracting more attention.

Leapmotor has become competitive in pricing and is making a global entry, not just in China. If Leapmotor and Stellantis can prove their success in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, it may only be a matter of time before they enter the domestic market. Although no related news has been reported yet, if the aversion to Chinese-made electric vehicles subsides, the success of their entry can be determined.