Overview
- Stellantis said it will open its Zaragoza, Spain, plant to Leapmotor models and is studying a transfer of its Villaverde factory near Madrid to their joint venture.
- Leapmotor may start B10 production in Zaragoza as early as 2026, and a co-developed Opel compact SUV is targeted for around 2028 using Leapmotor drivetrain and battery tech with Opel leading design and tuning.
- Opel’s CEO said mixed teams are already developing the SUV on an accelerated timeline, reflecting how Chinese firms can bring new models to market faster.
- Stellantis holds 51% of the Leapmotor venture and says local production and joint purchasing will cut costs and help satisfy EU local-content rules and tariffs on China-made EVs.
- Unions and industry experts warn the approach could shift engineering jobs and weaken Europe’s auto base, even as Chinese brands reach 9% of total sales and 14% of EV sales with many European plants underused.