Stellantis says its partnership with China-based Leapmotor represents a cooperative model it could reproduce with other Chinese automakers, CEO Antonio Filosa told journalists following the release of the company's first-quarter results.
Filosa described the alliance as mutually rewarding and explicitly framed it as an example of what Stellantis might replicate with other Chinese partners. The tie-up began in 2023, when Stellantis acquired roughly a fifth of Leapmotor and established a joint venture tasked with manufacturing and marketing Leapmotor vehicles outside of China.
Under the arrangement, Stellantis will begin assembling Leapmotor's B10 compact SUV in Spain this year. In addition, earlier this month the two groups were reported to be in advanced discussions about developing an Opel-branded electric SUV that would draw on Leapmotor's technology.
The timing of those developments coincides with preparations at Stellantis for the unveiling of a new business plan on May 21. That prospective plan has intensified market speculation that the Franco-Italian automaker could pursue further deals with Leapmotor and other Chinese manufacturers as a way to make use of idle manufacturing capacity in Europe.
Filosa addressed potential concerns about brand overlap, saying Leapmotor is attracting buyers away from other automakers rather than cannibalizing customers from Stellantis' own marques. He framed the relationship as complementary rather than competitive within Stellantis' brand portfolio.
Observers and market participants have noted the strategic implications of the partnership for Stellantis' European production footprint and product planning, especially ahead of the formal presentation of the group's new strategic plan. The company has taken steps to operationalize the tie-up through production commitments in Spain and collaborative product development talks.
Context and implications
- The arrangement initiated in 2023 includes a stake purchase by Stellantis of approximately one-fifth of Leapmotor and the creation of a joint venture to handle production and sales outside China.
- Stellantis will assemble the Leapmotor B10 compact SUV in Spain this year and has explored co-developing an Opel-branded electric SUV using Leapmotor technology.
- The company is preparing to unveil a new business plan on May 21; market commentary has pointed to potential further deals with Chinese automakers to utilize unused European capacity.