On the Dash:
- Stellantis is activating underused European plants, signaling potential volume stabilization and improved factory efficiency.
- Local EV production could help shield pricing from EU tariffs, supporting more competitive retail positioning.
- Joint sourcing and platform sharing may reduce costs and accelerate the rollouts of new EV models across Opel and Leapmotor lines.
Stellantis and Leapmotor will begin joint vehicle production in Europe, expanding their partnership beyond distribution into manufacturing, Stellantis announced Friday.
The announcement comes ahead of Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa’s business plan presentation on May 21, as he focuses on regaining market share in North America and Europe and improving operational performance.
According to the announcement, the companies will increase EV production in Europe and use Stellantis’ underutilized factories to support output while accelerating Leapmotor’s regional manufacturing footprint.
Stellantis said the plan supports localized EV production and aims to deliver more affordable EVs.
Meanwhile, Leapmotor plans to reduce exposure to European Union tariffs on Chinese-made EVs by shifting production into Europe.
The companies said the strategy strengthens competitiveness while combining European supply chain capacity with Chinese EV technology expertise.
Notably, the automaker and Leapmotor plan to assign new Leapmotor models to Stellantis’ Madrid plant in Spain beginning in 2028 and may transfer site ownership to Leapmotor International, their joint venture.
At Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain, the companies will produce Leapmotor’s B10 SUV and a jointly developed electric C-SUV under the Opel brand.
Opel said the new electric model, developed in under two years, will be the first product from the expanded partnership.
Additionally, the companies will coordinate auto parts purchasing through the joint venture to improve scale and cost efficiency.
They said the collaboration will combine China’s New Energy Vehicle ecosystem with European supply chain capabilities to accelerate development, improve resilience, and shorten time-to-market for new models.
