Brand Outlook Leapmotor: With Volume Models to Europe

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Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

Many Chinese EV start-ups have failed after promising beginnings. Leapmotor wants to do better – with Europe's help.

The much-quoted "China Speed" applies not only to the construction of airports and other infrastructure but also to the rapid growth of companies. Just ten years after its founding and in its sixth year of production, the Chinese electric car start-up Leapmotor now has its sights set on the milestone of one million vehicle deliveries. Starting in 2026, at least as many cars are expected to hit the roads worldwide each year, with a significant portion of them in Europe.

The European continent is the key success factor for the brand's expansive strategy, as Tianshu Xin explained. The manager is the head of Leapmotor International, a joint venture founded in 2023 between the Chinese company and the Euro-American Stellantis Group, responsible for the European market. At the same time, he organizes the distribution of other Stellantis brands locally in China. A man, therefore, who knows both markets exceptionally well. And one who relies on Chinese speed: "The pace at Leapmotor is and will remain fast," says Tianshu Xin, providing the common thread for the expansion plans in Europe.

Affordable Everyday Cars

Leapmotor was founded in 2015 by Jiangming Zhu, who had previously built successful electronics companies. The idea for compact, practical vehicles came to him during travels in Europe, Xin recounts the founding myth, which also influenced the product philosophy. Leapmotor not only focused on affordable, practical cars but also early on invested in its own engineering capabilities: battery architecture, software, and many components are extensively developed and also manufactured in-house, Xin explains.

The early move into Europe follows a simple logic: scaling. Rapid growth should reduce costs, a strong European business would give the company more breathing room in the tough competition on its home market, and, not least, stake claims in the still significant EU market early on. A plan that Leapmotor did not have exclusively. Other start-ups from China have also ventured early into Northern or Eastern Europe – though often unsuccessfully. Many of these pioneers have now disappeared completely. Of the 250 to 300 electric car start-ups that began alongside Leapmotor, only about ten are still active today, Xin calculates.

Leapmotor at Citroën, Fiat, or Opel Dealers

Why is Leapmotor expected to succeed in the long term? Not least because of Stellantis. Through the alliance, the Chinese company can leverage the existing dealership and service network of the group. There are already around 700 locations in Europe, 120 of them in Germany. In the future, customers across the country should not have to drive more than 25 minutes to reach the nearest location. Exclusive Leapmotor dealerships are not planned: Leapmotor cars will be available in Germany at Opel dealerships, in France at Citroën, and in Italy at Fiat, according to the plan.

Repairs will be carried out at the same location – visible and with a professional, reliable presence. “The most important thing is trust,” says Xin, emphasizing the stable supply chain and secured spare parts availability. Even before the first car was displayed at the dealership, Stellantis’ warehouses were stocked with Leapmotor wear-and-tear parts and tools. According to Xin, the combination of Chinese cost and development capabilities on the one hand and European sales and after-sales infrastructure on the other is the foundation for the expansion.

At the Start: Small to Medium-Sized Models

Leapmotor is clearly focusing on high-volume segments in Europe. At launch, the small car T03 on one end and the mid-size crossover C10 on the other defined the range in which the Chinese aim to operate. At the IAA, they filled the gap between these poles and showcased their potential future bestseller, the compact SUV B10, which, with a starting price of 30,000 euros, significantly undercuts internal competitors like the Opel Grandland and Peugeot E-3008. In Munich, the brand also unveiled the B05 hatchback, which is set to compete with rivals like the VW ID.3 starting next year.

Technically, the vehicles rely on over-the-air updates (OTA), proprietary battery and e-architectures, and, in special cases, range-extender concepts for greater range. They are intended to be particularly appealing to customers with range anxiety.

Model Outlook

For the coming years, Leapmotor has announced additional models: Following the B10 launching this year and the B05 planned for 2026, Xin is planning two new models in the small car segment for 2027. Based on the current model logic, these are likely to include a classic five-door car in the Corsa segment and a small crossover derived from it. Both will certainly have electric drives, possibly also with a range extender. This will then complete the model range – seamlessly spanning from an affordable small electric city car to a large SUV for active families.

The vehicles are currently being produced in China. An assembly initially planned at Fiat's Polish plant never got underway. According to Xin, the management is currently evaluating localization options in various regions. Considerations include costs, delivery times, and regulatory requirements. Specific site decisions are still pending.

Leapmotor brings typical strengths of Chinese EV start-ups: high development speed, vertical integration, and a broad model lineup. Through the alliance with Stellantis, the brand may have found the crucial lever for after-sales and distribution in Europe. Whether this translates into long-term brand trust and profitable growth also depends on whether Leapmotor truly meets expectations in quality, service, and local adaptation.