Zaragoza is set to manufacture two of Leapmotor’s upcoming electric vehicles, the B10 and B05 models. This move comes as part of a broader strategy for Stellantis, who needs to produce these vehicles in Europe to meet market demands.
The decision to build the Chinese EVs at its Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza was not just about avoiding tariffs on electric cars imported from China but also about gaining traction in the European market. Despite initial considerations of using manufacturing facilities in Vigo and Madrid, it appears that Figueruelas will take charge.
Stellantis plans to invest around €200 million for this project. Although significant, this is a small amount compared to the €1.5 billion spent on acquiring a 21% stake in Leapmotor in October 2023.
The production of these models is expected to start mid-2026 for the B10 and late 2026 for the compact B05. The move aims at addressing overcapacity issues across several European plants, particularly those in Italy and Eastern Europe. Prior to this decision, Stellantis had been assembling the Leapmotor T03 from kits imported from China but faced challenges due to high import tariffs.
Leapmotor remains an independent entity, responsible for development, manufacturing, and sales within China while Stellantis focuses on international markets outside of China. The tariff rates imposed on electric vehicles from China have been a major deterrent for Stellantis in importing these models directly into Europe.
