Stellantis and Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co. are expanding the partnership they entered into three years ago to include EV manufacturing in Spain for the European market. A compact electric SUV will be produced for the Opel brand at the Villaverde plant near Madrid, starting in 2028. The new battery-powered Opel C-SUV will be built on the Leapmotor EV architecture and assembled on a new line.
The Leapmotor C-SUV B10 is set to start production there later this year.
By setting up EV assembly in Spain the partnership will bypass import tariffs. The further strategy involves procurement initiatives for EV components and systems, to reduce manufacturing costs and increase the competitiveness and time-to-market for their European-built vehicles.
The Opel C-SUV would be a compact EV, competing with vehicles like the Peugeot 3008, VW ID.4, and Hyundai Kona Electric. An important aspect of the Stellantis plan is the short development time for introducing the new model, drawing on Leapmotor design and vehicle technology.
Leapmotor’s LEAP3.0 architecture is a centralized system focused on in-house developed core components to maximize space efficiency and computing power. It emphasizes a "four-domain-in-one" approach, integrating cabin, driving, powertrain, and body controls, and offers both pure battery electric (BEV) and range-extender (EREV) powertrain options.
“This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor … is a true win-win for both of us,” according to a statement by Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “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.”
Stellantis made its initial investment in Zhejiang Leapmotor in 2023, and together the two formed a joint venture, Leapmotor International (51% held by Stellantis.)
The JV has exclusive rights for export, sale, and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside China, and it has been selling EVs in Europe since 2024. Future exports are planned to Mexico, South America, and the Mideast/Africa.
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Robert Brooks
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Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries.