Stellantis and Chinese OEM Leapmotor are planning to deepen their partnership. They are already JV partners with Leapmotor International (which is selling cars in Europe) and Stellantis, along with FAW, holds a stake in China-based Leapmotor.
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In October 2023, Stellantis became the single largest shareholder of Leapmotor by acquiring an approximately 21% stake. At the same time, Leapmotor International was launched as a 51% Stellantis / 49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights for the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China.
It was reported earlier this month that Stellantis was in discussions with Leapmotor to jointly develop an Opel-branded electric SUV based on Chinese technology, with production earmarked for Spain.
Shortly before the Stellantis’ Investor Day 2026, Opel has now unveiled a key project under development in its model strategy: a completely new, all-electric SUV in the important and highly competitive C-segment that would extend the current line-up.
With Stellantis and Leapmotor contemplating an expansion of their partnership, the new vehicle is intended to serve as a blueprint for ‘efficient global collaboration’. Simultaneously, it would enable the German manufacturer to take a major strategic step forward in terms of electrification and scaling in the shortest possible time with sales of the new model planned to start as early as 2028.
The new Opel C-SUV is expected to be on sale alongside the current SUV-range consisting of the Opel Grandland, Frontera and Mokka.
“The SUV would be designed and created by us at Opel in Rüsselsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.
The new vehicle would be expected to use core components of the latest Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology, combined with Opel’s ‘signature design, on-board experience, chassis engineering as well as lightning and seating technology’.
The plan is for the new SUV to be produced in Zaragoza, Spain, alongside the Opel Corsa. The Spanish plant has been the home of Opel’s B-segment icon since 1982.
“With this project, Opel would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed,” said Xavier Chéreau, Chairman of the Opel supervisory board and Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer. “This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel is taking on a pioneering role with this project.”
Stellantis said the parties are ‘currently progressing feasibility studies and pre-development work under existing arrangements and are continuing discussions toward potential broader industrial cooperation as described herein, subject to the execution of definitive agreements and customary approvals.’
Stellantis says the Leapmotor International business has experienced a successful trajectory in Europe over the last 18 months. Since launching the T03 and C10 models in 2024, LPMI has expanded its presence across the region to more than 850 points of sale and service, with more than 40,000 shipments in Europe in 2025.
In 2025, Leapmotor International expanded its activities to South America, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa, and has introduced the brand in April 2026 in Mexico.
Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, said: “This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor – a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally – is a true win-win for both of us. It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future.”
Zhu Jiangming, Leapmotor founder and CEO said: “Leapmotor’s leading-edge technologies, combined with Stellantis’ global reach, deep regional roots and much-loved automotive brands, would make this a uniquely powerful partnership. Our joint venture, Leapmotor International, has quickly shown its benefits for both partners and in less than three years, has seen us launch our brand on five continents and significantly grow our international reach and reputation.”
