Nice building
It cannot be ruled out that relatively affordable electric cars from a Chinese brand will soon be produced in Italy. That has everything to do with Leapmotor, but also with the large Stellantis.
In 2023 it was announced that Stellantis was adding the Chinese brand Leapmotor in Europe to its already extensive portfolio. Stellantis took a share of more than 20 percent in Leapmotor and thus obtained the exclusive rights to sell Leapmotor models outside China. Stellantis immediately made it clear that the agreement between the group and Leapmotor also makes it possible to produce Leapmotor cars outside China. Which Leapmotor models will Stellantis carry here? That is not known yet. We do know a little more about where Leapmotor’s relatively affordable EVs may be built in Europe.
According to Italian media, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has indicated that “[…] If we have the opportunity and it makes financial sense, we can build Leapmotor cars in Italy.” According to the Italian press, Tavares is mainly referring to the Mirafiori factory in Turin. This currently produces the electric Fiat 500e, the Maserati, among others. Ghibli, Quattroporte and GranTurismo from the production line. The Levante also saw the light of day there.
Leapmotor and Stellantis have established the joint venture called Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds 51 percent of the shares. By 2030, the partnership should sell around 500,000 cars annually outside China. With Leapmotor, Stellantis says it wants to offer electric cars in Europe to people who are “cost-conscious, but still want the best technology”.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl