Overview
- Stellantis said it will expand its Leapmotor partnership to localize electric-vehicle production in Europe.
- The plan includes a jointly developed Opel electric SUV with assembly at the Zaragoza plant in Spain.
- Stellantis is evaluating a transfer of its Villaverde factory in Madrid into the partnership’s scope.
- CEO Antonio Filosa said Chinese automakers are unlikely to enter the U.S. market for a few years.
- Analysts say the tie-up lowers costs and avoids EU tariffs on China-built EVs but could give Chinese brands a lasting foothold in Europe.