Click for more.
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd (9863.HK) yesterday in Hangzou, China announced that the two companies have received all required authorizations. The formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51%/49% Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete. The notice was made as the US escalated its tariffs and sanctions against Chinese made EVs, batteries and other industrial products. (read AutoInformed: Chinese EV Trade War Commences, Stellantis Invests in Chinese Leapmotor to Expand EV Sales, GAC-FCA JV to File for Bankruptcy)
“The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models* that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets around the world,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Leveraging our existing global presence, we will soon be able to offer our customers price competitive and tech-centric electric vehicles that will exceed their expectations.”
Headquartered in Amsterdam, the management team is topped by CEO Tianshu Xin, a former Stellantis China executive. Leapmotor said it is planning the introduction of the T03 and C10* first in the European markets and expanding to India & Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Middle East & Africa, and South America starting in the fourth quarter 2024.
Leapmotor International’s EV product offering is claimed to be complementary to Stellantis’ current technology and portfolio of brands . It will bring more affordable mobility solutions to global customers. Using Stellantis distribution channels, the launch plan will begin in Europe – France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Romania – starting in September 2024 supported by dedicated country managers and 200 sales locations by the end of the year, including Stellantis &You locations, ramping up to 500 by 2026 to ensure a high level of service for customers,” Stellantis said.
In late 2024, the Leapmotor product launch roll-out will expand to the Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Israel and French Overseas), India & Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and India), and South America (Brazil and Chile).
*Leapmotor C10 and T03
- Leapmotor C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product, built to global design and safety standards. The C10 is based on Leapmotor’s self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, it has intelligent electric technology such as central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and its so-called intelligent cockpit. “It is a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment (large) vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, featuring 420 km WLTP range, and a 5-star E-NCAP rating. After winning the “2023 International CMF Design Award” for its technological and natural aesthetic design, it recently won the 2024 Gold Award from the French Design Awards (FDA),” Leapmotor claims.
- Leapmotor T03 is a small five-door, A-segment urban commuter car with sub-compact interior space. has 265 km WLTP range. It ranked No. 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Study in the small BEV segment.
- At least one new model to be introduced every year in the next three years.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Chinese Trade Wars – Leapmotor International Established
Click for more.
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd (9863.HK) yesterday in Hangzou, China announced that the two companies have received all required authorizations. The formation of Leapmotor International B.V., a 51%/49% Stellantis-led joint venture, is now complete. The notice was made as the US escalated its tariffs and sanctions against Chinese made EVs, batteries and other industrial products. (read AutoInformed: Chinese EV Trade War Commences, Stellantis Invests in Chinese Leapmotor to Expand EV Sales, GAC-FCA JV to File for Bankruptcy)
“The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models* that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets around the world,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Leveraging our existing global presence, we will soon be able to offer our customers price competitive and tech-centric electric vehicles that will exceed their expectations.”
Headquartered in Amsterdam, the management team is topped by CEO Tianshu Xin, a former Stellantis China executive. Leapmotor said it is planning the introduction of the T03 and C10* first in the European markets and expanding to India & Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Middle East & Africa, and South America starting in the fourth quarter 2024.
Leapmotor International’s EV product offering is claimed to be complementary to Stellantis’ current technology and portfolio of brands . It will bring more affordable mobility solutions to global customers. Using Stellantis distribution channels, the launch plan will begin in Europe – France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Romania – starting in September 2024 supported by dedicated country managers and 200 sales locations by the end of the year, including Stellantis &You locations, ramping up to 500 by 2026 to ensure a high level of service for customers,” Stellantis said.
In late 2024, the Leapmotor product launch roll-out will expand to the Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Israel and French Overseas), India & Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and India), and South America (Brazil and Chile).
*Leapmotor C10 and T03
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.