On May 14, 2024, Stellantis N.V. and China’s Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd. officially announced the completion of all necessary approvals for the establishment of their joint venture, Leapmotor International B.V. This marks the official launch of "Leapmotor International," led by Stellantis Group. The two companies will collaborate to drive the global sales and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), with Stellantis holding a 51% stake and Leapmotor 49%.

Leapmotor and Stellantis: A Strategic Win-Win Partnership

As a leading global automaker, Stellantis possesses an extensive international sales network, a well-established supply chain, and vast manufacturing experience. Meanwhile, Leapmotor, an innovative player in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, focuses on the mid-to-high-end EV market and has developed core strengths in electronic architecture and battery technology. This collaboration not only expands each company’s market presence but also enables synergies in technology sharing and product development.

For Stellantis, Leapmotor's expertise strengthens its electrification strategy by filling the gap in the affordable EV segment. For Leapmotor, leveraging Stellantis’ global resources accelerates its entry into international markets, significantly enhancing its brand influence.

How Leapmotor Plans to Strengthen Its Position in China

In the domestic market, Leapmotor focuses on the ¥100,000–¥200,000 price segment, the most competitive category for EV sales in China. Over the next three years, the company plans to launch two to three new models annually, covering SUVs, sedans, crossovers, and MPVs to ensure product diversity and competitiveness.

Additionally, Leapmotor will maintain a dual-power strategy, offering both range-extended and pure electric versions for its C-segment and D-segment models to cater to diverse consumer needs.

Can Leapmotor Become a Global Player?

The establishment of Leapmotor International marks Leapmotor’s formal entry into the global market. By utilizing Stellantis’ sales channels, supply chain, and manufacturing facilities, Leapmotor aims to expand its footprint across multiple regions.

- In Europe, Leapmotor has identified nine key target countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, and Portugal. These countries are experiencing rapid EV growth and strong policy support, making them ideal for Leapmotor’s market entry.

- In South America, Leapmotor plans to enter Brazil and Chile in Q4 2024. This move benefits from Stellantis’ strong presence in the region, ensuring smooth local production and sales expansion.

- Beyond these regions, Leapmotor will also expand into the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, targeting markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, and India.

The Road Ahead: Can Leapmotor Achieve Its Global Ambitions?

Stellantis has revealed a bold target: by 2030, Leapmotor International aims to sell 500,000 vehicles outside China. Achieving this goal will require building a strong global brand presence and maintaining a competitive edge.

Furthermore, Leapmotor will collaborate with Stellantis to supply core electronic components—such as centralized electronic and electrical architecture (EEA) and CTP battery technology—to other OEMs, further expanding its business scope.

From solidifying its domestic foundation to executing its ambitious global expansion, how far can Leapmotor and Stellantis go? As global EV competition intensifies, will this joint venture model become a new blueprint for Chinese EV makers going global? The answers will gradually unfold in the coming years.