Leapmotor’s Bold Move: How the Stellantis Joint Venture Shapes Its European Strategy

Leapmotor’s entry into Europe comes at a moment when the electric vehicle market is both expanding and consolidating. Consumer expectations are shifting, traditional automakers are under pressure to accelerate their EV strategies, and new players—especially from China—are trying to establish a foothold in an increasingly competitive landscape. Amidst this dynamic environment, Leapmotor is taking a bold step: backed by Stellantis and driven by a clear vision, the brand is positioning itself as an agile, tech-driven alternative to both legacy manufacturers and premium newcomers.

With a focus on affordable EVs across multiple segments, local production capacities already in place, and a fast-growing dealer network, Leapmotor is betting on speed, scale, and software to differentiate itself. But can it succeed in a market that has challenged many of its peers?

In this deep dive, we unpack Leapmotor’s European strategy, examine how the brand is merging Chinese tech expertise with European infrastructure, and take a closer look at how it plans to earn long-term relevance in a crowded field.

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Leapmotor Sets Its Sights on Europe with Stellantis-Backed Strategy

In a recent discussion with Martin Resch, Head of Leapmotor’s operations in Germany, the strategic ambitions of the Chinese EV maker came into sharp focus. Leapmotor, founded in 2015 and already delivering over 300,000 units in China, is now accelerating its European expansion—powered by a €1.5 billion investment and joint venture with Stellantis.

Leapmotor’s European journey began in September 2023 with the T03, a compact A-segment EV priced at €18,900. This spring, the C10 followed in both BEV and Range Extender variants. With the B10 expected later this year and further launches planned in six-month intervals, Leapmotor aims to evolve into a full-range brand covering the A to D segments.

According to Resch, the joint venture with Stellantis enables fast deployment: “In less than nine months, we’ve built a network of 500 sales and service points across Europe, including 87 in Germany alone. That’s only possible with a partner like Stellantis.”

Targeting the Heart of the Market

Unlike competitors eyeing the premium segment, Leapmotor is staying grounded. “We don’t believe Europe needs another premium EV,” says Resch. “We’re entering the heart of the automotive market, with a focus on A-, B-, and C-segment vehicles that are price-accessible yet tech-forward.”

The company’s vertically integrated manufacturing—comparable to Tesla—allows for tight control over costs and software development. With over 60% of components developed in-house, Leapmotor can push frequent over-the-air updates and respond to user feedback quickly, even for minor features like sunroof default settings.

Adapting to Local Needs—and Mindsets

Leapmotor vehicles sold in Europe undergo significant adaptation, both legally and culturally. From mandatory pedestrian warning systems to handling and suspension tuning, Resch stresses that “Chinese tech meets European driving expectations.” Stellantis engineers have been actively involved in optimizing the ride feel and dynamics of models like the C10.

The joint venture doesn’t just grant Leapmotor access to Stellantis’ dealership network—it also opens doors to European manufacturing. The T03 is already partially built in a repurposed Stellantis plant in Poland. More localization could follow, especially if tariffs or logistical factors increase pressure on Chinese imports.

Crucially, Stellantis holds a 51% stake in the joint venture and controls sales and production outside of Greater China. This structure, says Resch, is what differentiates Leapmotor from other newcomers. “We’re not just entering Europe. We’re embedding ourselves into its industrial and sales ecosystem.”

Looking Ahead: Software as a Differentiator

Leapmotor isn’t just betting on affordability and scale. Its software-first approach—enabled by deep vertical integration—could become a key differentiator. Weekly feedback loops from European customers to development teams in China allow fast iteration. As Resch puts it, “Our cars are like smartphones—constantly improving.”

And while current platforms are Leapmotor-developed, shared EV architectures and R&D collaborations with Stellantis are on the horizon. This mutual exchange could eventually benefit Stellantis’ global brands and Leapmotor’s home market in China alike.

As geopolitical headwinds, price pressures, and brand fatigue challenge Chinese automakers in Europe, Leapmotor believes its dual-parent model gives it an edge. “We’re not another standalone brand,” says Resch. “We’re part of something bigger—and we have the scale, speed, and smarts to prove it.”

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Sebastian & team | China EV Pulse