European auto giant Stellantis NV announced on Friday that it intends to take its strategic partnership with Leapmotor to the next level, covering expanded production in Spain, joint purchasing initiatives and a plant ownership transfer.
The two companies plan to add a new line at Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, to produce an all-new Opel C-segment electric SUV (sport utility vehicle), with a potential start of production in 2028, Stellantis said.
Leapmotor’s C-segment SUV B10 model will also be manufactured at the plant, potentially commencing as early as 2026.
The new Opel SUV will use components sourced through their joint venture Leapmotor International, significantly enhancing its affordability for European customers, the statement said.
The Figueruelas plant is a long-standing Opel production site, where more than 10 million Opel Corsa vehicles have been produced since 1982.
The two sides also plan to expand joint purchasing through Leapmotor International, leveraging the cost advantages of the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) ecosystem.
They will also draw on European supply chain capabilities to strengthen resilience and accelerate time-to-market for new models, Stellantis said in the statement.
The expanded cooperation also involves the Villaverde plant in Madrid, where an all-new Leapmotor model is intended to be allocated for production, with a potential start from the first half of 2028.
The move is particularly significant given the planned end of production of the Citroën C4 at the plant, Stellantis said.
At the same time, ownership of the Villaverde plant is under discussion, with the two sides intending to transfer it to Leapmotor International’s Spanish subsidiary.
Production at the plant will comply with Made-in-Europe requirements, and vehicles manufactured in Villaverde will be marketed by Leapmotor International in Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets.
“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,” Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said.
It will help localize world-class electric vehicle production in Europe at affordable prices to meet the real-world needs of customers, he said.
Leapmotor founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming said that combining Leapmotor’s leading-edge technologies with Stellantis’ global reach, deep regional roots and much-loved automotive brands would create a uniquely powerful partnership.
Stellantis became the single largest shareholder of Leapmotor in October 2023 through an investment for an about 21% stake.
The two sides subsequently established the Leapmotor International joint venture, with Stellantis holding 51% and Leapmotor holding 49%.
Leapmotor International has exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor products outside Greater China.
Since launching the T03 and C10 models in 2024, the joint venture has expanded to more than 850 points of sale and service across Europe.
Leapmotor International delivered more than 40,000 vehicles in Europe in 2025, and has extended its business to South America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.
The joint venture introduced the brand in Mexico in April 2026.
Leapmotor has seen strong recent sales momentum, with record deliveries of 71,387 vehicles in April, up 73.95% year-on-year.
The Chinese EV maker has set a target of delivering one million vehicles for full-year 2026.
The two parties are currently progressing feasibility studies and pre-development work under existing arrangements, with the cooperation still subject to the execution of definitive agreements and customary approvals.
