GreenergyDaily

May. 8, 2026

Stellantis is expanding its partnership with China's Leapmotor by granting the EV maker access to a plant in Spain, where the two companies plan to jointly build a new electric SUV.

Engineers from Stellantis brand Opel have already started working with their Leapmotor counterparts in China, the marque's Chief Executive Officer Florian Huettl said in an interview. They're developing a mid-size sport utility vehicle that will be built in Zaragoza, Spain.

Production of the SUV could begin in 2028.

Separately, Stellantis is discussing transferring ownership of a site in Madrid to its venture with Leapmotor. Stellantis holds a 51% stake in that JV.

The changes may allow more Leapmotor models to be built in Spain, helping the companies satisfy stricter EU local-production rules.

Leapmotor could start producing its B10 SUV at the Zaragoza plant as soon as 2026, Stellantis said. The companies also plan to expand cooperation in procurement to lower costs by leveraging China's EV supply chain and European manufacturing capabilities.