Stellantis is expanding the industrial reach of its joint venture with China’s Leapmotor, beginning with the launch of a new midsize electric SUV model for the Vauxhall/Opel brands.
The agreement announced in its May 8 release aims to build on the pair’s joint venture announced in October 2023 that saw the creation of Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis hold a 51% stake while also acquiring a 21% stake of Leapmotor parent company Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co.
Since then, Stellantis has helped boost sales of Leapmotor vehicles through its European dealership network, making the brand a best-seller in its segment with the T03 all-electric city car.
Together with its midsize C10 and B10 models, Leapmotor International has expanded its presence across the region to more than 850 points of sale and service, with more than 40,000 shipments in Europe in 2025, Stellantis’ statement said.
Last year, the JV expanded its activities to South America, Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa and introduced the brand in Mexico in April 2026.
Now the expansion of collaboration will see a significant increase in production at Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, assessing the addition of a new line to manufacture Vauxhall/Opel’s all C-SUV EV model with a potential start of production in 2028.
This would be in addition to the current production of the Peugeot 208 and the Lancia Ypsilon at Figueruelas. Leapmotor would also bring production of its compact B10 SUV to the plant, potentially commencing as early as 2026.
In a separate May 8 release, the Vauxhall/Opel C-SUV would help the German manufacturer to take an accelerated step forward in terms of EV production. The new model is expected to be on sale alongside the current SUV range consisting of the Opel Grandland, Frontera and Mokka.
Stellantis and Leapmotor have agreed to also cooperate in the area of purchasing through their JV, taking advantage of combined scale aimed at lowering consumer prices using Chinese production methods and European supply chain capabilities.
Their agreement will also see Stellantis’ Villaverde plant in Madrid expanded and could include the allocation of a new Leapmotor vehicle to the plant, including potential timing from the first half of 2028, Stellantis said.
The plant’s ownership is under discussion for potential transfer to Leapmotor Intenational’s Spanish subsidiary, enabling qualification for the European Union’s upcoming “Made-in-Europe” requirements, and the vehicles would be sold in the Middle East and Africa.
Commenting on the enhanced partnership, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said: “It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs.”
