Leaping into EV scheme
Leapmotor International is aiming to redefine electric vehicles (EVs) through cutting-edge technology, innovation and in-house development capabilities.
The company, which is a 51-49 per cent Stellantis-led venture between the two operations, has expansion plans to boost scale quickly.
Leapmotor International aims to start operations in Europe by September and have 200 points of sale on the continent by the end of 2024.
It then plans to expand to India, Asia-Pacific – including New Zealand, the Middle East, Africa and South America from the fourth quarter of this year.
The T03, pictured above, and C10 will launch first, with at least one new model to then be introduced per annum in the next three years.
The T03 is being touted as an “urban savvy” A-segment competitive EV featuring a 265km WLTP range, but with B-segment comparable interior space.
The C10, illustrated below, is positioned as a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, with a range of 420km.
In October 2023, the two companies announced Stellantis was investing €1.5 billion – around NZ$2.66b – to acquire equity in Leapmotor, which was ranked in the top three Chinese EV start-up brands in 2023.
The deal also outlined the formation of Leapmotor International, which would have exclusive rights for the export and sale, as well as manufacturing, of Leapmotor products outside greater China.
The partnership aims to further boost Leapmotor’s sales in China, the biggest market in the world, while leveraging Stellantis’ established global commercial presence to significantly accelerate brand sales in other regions.
“The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global-warming issue with state-of-the-art BEVs that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets,” says Carlos Tavares. Stellantis’ chief executive officer.
“Leveraging our existing global presence, we will soon be able to offer our customers price-competitive and tech-centric EVs that will exceed their expectations.”
Jiangming Zhu, Leapmotor’s founder, chairman and CEO, adds: “By leveraging our cutting-edge technology and products, along with Stellantis’ support in areas such as overseas channels, services and marketing, we hope that users can experience the exceptional driving and riding experience brought by our products.
“We believe this co-operation can give Leapmotor a boost to become a respected world-class intelligent EV company.”
Leveraging Stellantis distribution channels, the launch plan will begin in Europe – France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Romania – from this September supported by dedicated country managers and 200 points of sales by the end of the year, including Stellantis &You locations. That will ramp up to 500 by 2026 “to ensure a high level of service for customers”.
In late 2024, the roll-out will expand to the Middle East & Africa – Turkey, Israel and French Overseas, India and Asia-Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and India, and South America – Brazil and Chile.
About the C10 and T03
The C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product, built according to international design and safety standards.
It’s based on its self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, featuring industry-leading intelligent electric technology, such as central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis technology and its flagship intelligent cockpit.
It is a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment vehicle with “best in segment” premium ride and handling experience. It features a 420km WLTP range and a five-star E-NCAP rating.
After winning the 2023 International CMF Design Award for its technological and “natural aesthetics”, it recently landed the 2024 Gold Award at the French Design Awards.
The T03 is a small five-door, A-segment “urban boutique commuter car” with B-segment interior space with a range of 265km WLTP range. It has been ranked number one the small BEV segment of JD Power’s initial quality study.
