Stellantis, the multinational automotive corporation, has announced its plans to introduce Chinese electric car maker Leapmotor’s T03 supermini and C10 SUV to European markets, including the UK. Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor for £1.3 billion and secured exclusive export rights in late 2023. These two models are the first of many Leapmotor vehicles that will be exported from China, with at least one new model planned for release each year over the next three years.
To facilitate global sales, Leapmotor International, a new company established by Stellantis and Leapmotor, aims to have cars available at 200 dealerships across Europe by the end of 2024. Following the European launch, the brand will then target markets in India, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The UK launch is scheduled for March 2025.
While the C10 SUV will be imported from Leapmotor’s factory in Hangzhou, China, Stellantis is likely to produce the T03 supermini in its Tychy plant in Poland. The T03 will be manufactured alongside other models such as the Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Milano, Fiat 600e, and the combustion-powered Fiat 500. However, it is yet to be confirmed if the production of the aging Italian city car will be affected.
There have been reports suggesting that Fiat plans to replace the 17-year-old Fiat 500 with an internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the newer Fiat 500 EV. It is speculated that both variants could be built on the same production line in Turin, Italy. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares stated that vehicle allocation decisions would be made based on plant capacity availability and cost-competitiveness criteria.
The T03 supermini measures just 3620mm long and offers around 100bhp and a range of approximately 165 miles. It is expected to compete with the Dacia Spring EV, which is also set to launch in the UK soon. Stellantis has not disclosed pricing details for the T03, but it is possible that not being shipped from China could give it a price advantage, potentially making it the UK’s most affordable electric car.
Stellantis sees the Leapmotor cars as complementary to its existing brand offerings in Europe and has no plans to replace any current model lines. Launching these electric vehicles in the UK will help Stellantis meet the requirements of the new zero-emission vehicle mandate. This mandate stipulates that major car manufacturers must achieve an EV sales mix of 22% in 2024, 28% in 2025, and 80% in 2030, with a complete halt to internal combustion engine sales by 2035. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has expressed concerns about the impact of this scheme on the UK’s automotive industry.
In a recent statement, Tavares emphasized the significance of the partnership with Leapmotor and the creation of Leapmotor International in addressing global warming and offering state-of-the-art battery electric vehicle (BEV) models. He praised Leapmotor’s commercial and industrial strategy, led by founder and CEO Tianshu Xin, which will enable rapid sales distribution channel expansion and support Leapmotor’s growth while creating value for both partners.
