New marque targets NZ

Leapmotor is on course to become the latest Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker to enter the New Zealand market with its C10 model set to be available in dealerships from December this year.

The marque is being launched here through a partnership with Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ), part of Armstrong’s Motor Group, and Leapmotor’s dealership sites are expected to be announced this month.

Leapmotor began operating in 2015 and is distributed outside of China via Stellantis. ADNZ already distributes other brands in the Stellantis stable, including Peugeot and Opel. 

Rick Armstrong, founder of Armstrong’s Motor Group, says: “We are honoured to expand our partnership with Stellantis and Leapmotor, and to now represent this new brand and new opportunity in New Zealand.

“Manufacturing of EV products in China has expanded significantly over the last 10 years, the product being produced by Leapmotor is some of the best from across all brands, we are excited to be part of this global strategy.”

The Leapmotor C10, pictured, is an all-electric, five-seater mid-size SUV that promises a range of 420km on the WLTP cycle.

It offers 581 litres of boot space, which expands to 1,410l when the second row is folded down, and also features 17 advanced driver-assistance systems and a 14.6-inch touchscreen display.

Pricing and full specifications for the model will be confirmed closer to launch.