Summary
- Leapmotor International to start selling C10 and T03 in nine European countries in September
- Plans to expand European sales network to 200 outlets by 2024
- Joint venture between Leapmotor and Stellantis shipping EVs from Shanghai to Europe
- Future plans include increasing sales outlets in Europe to 500 by 2026
- Leapmotor to launch at least one new model each year over the next three years
Article
Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Leapmotor and Stellantis NV, has started shipping Leapmotor EVs to Europe, with plans to begin selling the Leapmotor C10 and T03 in nine European countries starting in September. The joint venture aims to expand its European sales outlets to 200 by the end of 2024 and leverage Stellantis’ distribution channels to further increase outlets to 500 by 2026. The partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor is expected to change the landscape of the EV market in Europe and beyond, with plans to launch at least one new model each year over the next three years.
Leapmotor, founded in 2015, was one of the first new car-making forces in China and currently sells the T03, C01, C10, C11, and C16 in China. The C10, an SUV based on the LEAP 3.0 technology architecture, is Leapmotor’s first global product built to global design and safety standards, with a WLTP range of 420 kilometers. The T03 is a small five-door A00-class EV with a WLTP range of 265 kilometers. Stellantis is set to invest 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in Leapmotor to gain about a 20 percent stake, making it the largest outside shareholder in the EV maker.
Leapmotor International, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and headed by Xin Tianshu, vice president of Stellantis China, is set to begin selling vehicles in Europe in September. The initial markets covered by the joint venture include Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, and Portugal. In June, Leapmotor delivered 20,116 vehicles, up 52.29 percent from the previous year, and up 10.74 percent from May. In the first half of the year, Leapmotor delivered 86,696 vehicles, marking a 94.81 percent increase in deliveries.
Leveraging Stellantis’ distribution channels, Leapmotor International plans to increase its sales outlets in Europe to 500 by 2026. The joint venture will also launch the Leapmotor C10 and T03 EVs in the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South American markets starting in the fourth quarter of this year. Stellantis aims to invest in Leapmotor through a long-term partnership that will introduce new models each year, with the goal of expanding their presence in the global EV market.
The collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor marks a significant step towards establishing a strong presence in the European and global EV market. By launching new models annually and expanding their sales outlets, the joint venture aims to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in various regions. With a focus on innovation and technological advancements, Leapmotor International is positioned to become a major player in the EV industry and drive the transition towards sustainable transportation solutions in the future.
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