Stellantis Says Leapmotor Partnership Sets a Benchmark, Exploring Further Ties with Chinese Automakers

On April 30, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares stated that the company’s partnership with Leapmotor has evolved into a mutually beneficial relationship and could serve as a reference model for future collaborations with other Chinese automakers. The partnership began in 2023 when Stellantis acquired approximately a 20% stake in Leapmotor and established a joint venture responsible for producing and selling Leapmotor vehicles outside China. Under the plan, Stellantis will begin assembling the Leapmotor B10 compact SUV in Spain in 2024. Speaking during a conference call following the release of first-quarter results, Tavares noted that Leapmotor attracts customers from rival automakers rather than diverting buyers from Stellantis’ own brands. Reuters previously reported that the two companies are engaged in advanced talks to develop an Opel-branded all-electric SUV based on Leapmotor’s technology. Additionally, sources familiar with the matter revealed that Stellantis executives have held discussions with Xiaomi Group and XPeng Inc. regarding potential restructuring of its European operations, including possible equity investments by Chinese companies in Stellantis brands such as Maserati. Currently, Stellantis is shifting its investment focus toward the Americas amid profitability pressures in Europe. The company is set to unveil a new business plan on May 21, and market expectations are rising for deeper cooperation between Stellantis and Chinese automakers.