Stellantis and Leapmotor Finalize Formation of Leapmotor International, Paving the Way for Global Expansion of EV Lineup

Stellantis and Leapmotor Finalize Formation of Leapmotor International, Paving the Way for Global Expansion of EV Lineup

(IN BRIEF) Stellantis and Leapmotor have successfully completed the formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a joint venture led by Stellantis with a 51% stake, aimed at expanding the global reach of Leapmotor’s electric vehicle lineup. Spearheaded by CEO Tianshu Xin, formerly of Stellantis China, the venture plans to introduce the T03 and C10 models initially in European markets, followed by expansion into India & Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The partnership, fueled by a €1.5 billion Stellantis investment in Leapmotor, aims to leverage Stellantis’ global presence to accelerate Leapmotor’s brand sales outside Greater China while enhancing its offerings with competitive pricing and cutting-edge technology. With a focus on affordability and innovation, Leapmotor International aims to revolutionize the global EV market, starting with a robust launch plan across key regions.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, 14-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Stellantis N.V. and Leapmotor today announced that the two companies have received all required authorizations and the formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the management team led by CEO Tianshu Xin, a former Stellantis China executive, are now laying the groundwork for a successful introduction of the T03 and C10 first in the European markets and expanding to India & Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Middle East & Africa, and South America starting in the fourth quarter 2024.

In October 2023, the two companies announced a Stellantis investment of ca. €1.5 billion to acquire approximately 21% equity in Leapmotor, an automotive company ranked in the top 3 Chinese EV startup brands in 2023. The deal also outlined the formation of Leapmotor International, which would have exclusive rights for the export and sale, as well as manufacturing, of Leapmotor products outside Greater China. The partnership aims to further boost Leapmotor’s sales in China, the biggest market in the world, while leveraging Stellantis’ established global commercial presence to significantly accelerate Leapmotor brand sales in other regions.

“The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets around the world,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Leveraging our existing global presence, we will soon be able to offer our customers price competitive and tech-centric electric vehicles that will exceed their expectations. Under Tianshu Xin’s leadership, they have built a compelling worldwide commercial and industrial strategy to quickly ramp-up the sales distribution channels to support Leapmotor’s robust growth and create value for both partners.”

“The partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis demonstrates a high level of efficiency, opening a new chapter in the global integration of China’s intelligent electric vehicle industry,” said Leapmotor Founder, Chairman and CEO Jiangming Zhu. “Leveraging Leapmotor’s cutting-edge technology and products, along with Stellantis’ support in areas such as overseas channels, services, and marketing, we hope that users around the world can experience the exceptional driving and riding experience brought by Leapmotor products. We believe that this cooperation can give Leapmotor a boost to become a respected world-class intelligent electric vehicle company.”

Leapmotor International’s EV product offering is considered complementary to Stellantis’ current technology and portfolio of iconic brands and will bring more affordable mobility solutions to global customers. Leveraging Stellantis distribution channels, the launch plan will begin in Europe – France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Romania – starting in September 2024 supported by dedicated country managers and 200 points of sales by the end of the year, including Stellantis &You locations, ramping up to 500 by 2026 to ensure a high level of service for customers. In late 2024, the Leapmotor product launch roll-out will expand to the Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Israel and French Overseas), India & Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and India), and South America (Brazil and Chile).

About the Leapmotor C10 and T03

The Leapmotor C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product, built according to global design and safety standards. The C10 is based on Leapmotor’s self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, featuring industry-leading intelligent electric technology such as central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and its flagship intelligent cockpit. It is a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, featuring 420 km WLTP range, and a 5-star E-NCAP rating. After winning the “2023 International CMF Design Award” for its technological and natural aesthetic design, it recently won the 2024 Gold Award from the French Design Awards (FDA).

The Leapmotor T03 is a small five-door, A-segment urban boutique commuter car with B-segment interior space. It is not only stylish but also a pleasure to drive and features 265 km WLTP range. It ranked No. 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Study in the small BEV segment.

About Leapmotor

Established in 2015, Leapmotor is a technology-driven intelligent electric vehicle (EV) company. The founder Mr. Zhu Jiangming is an electrical engineer who has over 30 years of technical experience. Leapmotor is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, and its business scope covers intelligent electric vehicle design, research and development, manufacturing, intelligent driving, electric motor control, battery system development, as well as cloud computing-based vehicle networking solutions. As a technology-based enterprise, the core components of the Leapmotor are independently developed and manufactured, including electric powertrain and intelligent systems. The proportion of self-developed and self-manufactured parts accounts for 60% of the total vehicle cost and has successively launched leading intelligent electric technologies such as the industry’s first Eight-in-One Electric Drive System, the industry’s first mass-produced Cell-to-Chassis technology, and the industry’s first “Four-Domain-in-One Central Integrated E/E Architecture”. Leapmotor adheres to a customer-centric value proposition, with products on sale including C10, C11, C01, T03, offering pure electric and extended range dual power options. In 2023, Stellantis invested in Leapmotor. In early May 2024, Stellantis and Leapmotor formed a joint venture called Leapmotor International B.V. to explore the international market.

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

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SOURCE: Stellantis NV