Stellantis-backed Chinese automaker Leapmotor just hit a major milestone, producing its one millionth car in China on September 25, 2025. This achievement comes just six years after the company’s founding, showcasing an incredible acceleration in production. What’s truly impressive is how quickly the last half-million vehicles rolled off the line: a mere 343 days, proving Leapmotor’s rapid growth and efficiency.
Leapmotor, a relatively young player in the new energy vehicle (NEV) space, started its journey in 2017, with its first car hitting the road in June 2019. It took five years to reach the 500,000-vehicle mark, but the momentum clearly picked up significantly in the last year. A crucial factor in this acceleration was last year’s partial acquisition by Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automotive groups. This partnership provided a substantial boost, not only in upping production volumes but also in expanding Leapmotor’s presence in overseas markets.
Breaking Production Records
Leapmotor’s journey to one million cars is nothing short of phenomenal. The gap from 500,000 to one million units in just 343 days demonstrates an operational prowess that sets a new benchmark for emerging Chinese automakers. According to company officials, this is the fastest production leap for any new Chinese EV maker. Looking ahead, Zhi Jiangming, Leapmotor’s founder, chairman, and CEO, is optimistic, aiming to produce the next million cars in an even shorter timeframe: next year. This kind of ambition is what drives the rapid evolution of the Chinese EV market.
Expanding Global Reach
Leapmotor’s vision extends far beyond China’s borders. The automaker is aggressively exploring international markets, with a strong focus on Europe. This strategic push gained significant traction last year with the construction of the Grande Tianjin vessel a result of a collaboration between Leapmotor and Grimaldi Lines, a logistics giant. This massive ship can carry 9,241 vehicles, poised to significantly ramp up Leapmotor’s overseas sales.
In terms of sales figures, August 2025 saw Leapmotor sell 57,066 vehicles globally, with 51,162 units heading to customers within China. From January to August 2025, the company sold over 320,000 units worldwide, and 289,732 of those found homes in China. The domestic lineup currently features seven models, with an eighth, the Lafa 5 (B05) hatchback, set to launch this year. This constant expansion of their model range keeps the offerings fresh and competitive.
Leapmotor currently boasts a robust network of nearly 700 integrated sales and service centers across more than 30 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company’s aggressive international strategy is already yielding impressive results, as evidenced by its achievement in August, where it surpassed BYD to claim the top spot in the German pure electric vehicle market. This highlights the growing influence and competitiveness of Chinese EV brands on the global stage. It’s clear that Leapmotor is not just growing, it’s accelerating into a new era of global electric mobility.
For more insights on the dynamic Chinese EV market and other players, check out our articles on China’s EV sales race, the Leapmotor B05 hatchback, and the investment by FAW in Leapmotor. You can also explore coverage of other exciting developments like the Leapmotor’s South American debut, and the latest on China’s NEV market surges. This rapid expansion and innovation are hallmarks of the current automotive landscape, making it an incredibly exciting time for enthusiasts and consumers alike.
