Stellantis considers the partnership with Leapmotor a replicable model also in the future with other Chinese car manufacturers. This was stated on Thursday by the group’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, explaining that the agreement with the Asian company represents “what we can do” and could become a reference for further international cooperations. Essentially, Stellantis sees in the collaboration with Leapmotor not only an industrial project but also a possible working scheme to extend to other Chinese partners.
Stellantis-Leapmotor, a winning combination
The collaboration between the two groups began in 2023: Stellantis acquired about one fifth of the company and created a joint venture tasked with producing and selling Leapmotor vehicles outside China. The next step is already planned: this year Stellantis will start assembling the compact SUV B10 in Spain, strengthening its production presence in Europe. Furthermore, in the early months of the year, rumors intensified about a possible evolution of the agreement, also with the development of an electric SUV under the Opel brand based on the Chinese company’s technology.
Possible new future alliances?
While Stellantis prepares to present the new business plan on May 21, speculation grows about further agreements with Leapmotor and other Chinese manufacturers, aiming to enhance production capacities considered not fully exploited in Europe. In this context, CEO Filosa also highlighted an important aspect for the company: Leapmotor, according to his interpretation, is gaining customers mainly from other car manufacturers and not taking them away from the group’s brands.
