In October 2023, Stellantis and Leapmotor formed a groundbreaking joint venture that is set to redefine the global automotive landscape. This strategic partnership, focused on electrification and sustainability, marks Leapmotor’s first step beyond China’s borders, positioning it for international growth.
This new entity, known as Leapmotor International, is a 51/49 Stellantis-led venture, designed to leverage Stellantis’ global reach and strategic expertise. With over 400,000 units sold by July 2024, Leapmotor has emerged as one of China’s top three electric vehicle (EV) startups, showing remarkable growth in a competitive market.
Leapmotor’s expansion is starting in the India and Asia Pacific regions, with Malaysia leading the charge. The brand’s first global model, the Leapmotor C10, will showcase their innovative approach to electric mobility. Other key markets, including Thailand and Australia, are set to follow. This launch will introduce consumers to Leapmotor’s unique blend of award-winning design, advanced technology, and exceptional value.
The company, known as “Ling Pao” in China, operates with a “Zero to Leap” philosophy, reflecting its commitment to zero-emission mobility and cutting-edge innovation. Rather than relying on legacy technologies, Leapmotor has built its expertise from the ground up, pioneering new paths in the automotive industry. This ethos was spearheaded by Leapmotor’s founder, Zhu Jiangming, whose background in AI, software, and industrial automation has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s digital and technological advancements.
One of Leapmotor’s most notable achievements is the development of Lingxin 01, China’s first domestically produced AI chip. Unveiled in 2018, this technology represents a leap forward in deep learning, high-performance computing, and the foundation for future autonomous driving systems.
Capitalizing on the rising demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in China, Leapmotor has embarked on a global journey to expand its Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) lineup. The company’s strategy focuses heavily on research and development, with a substantial portion of its workforce dedicated to innovating in-house technologies, from electric motors to LED lighting components, which enhances both cost-efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.
What sets Leapmotor apart is its vertically integrated production approach. By developing its own core technologies—such as Smart Control and Connectivity systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and Vehicle Lighting modules—the company ensures state-of-the-art features while maintaining competitive pricing. This commitment has resulted in over 443 patented technologies, all of which are incorporated across their diverse lineup, including the C01 sedan, C11 SUV, flagship C16, compact T03, and the C10 SUV.
The Leapmotor C10, a global-ready SUV, is designed for young professionals and families, combining innovation, sustainability, and high-quality engineering. Built on the Leap 3.0 modular platform, it features an in-house developed Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and an advanced Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) architecture. This design not only improves battery space efficiency and safety but also supports supercharging technology, allowing for faster, more flexible charging options. Additionally, the C10’s impressive 42,500Nm/deg torsional rigidity enhances its driving dynamics.
At the heart of the C10 is Leapmotor’s “Four-Leaf Clover” Central Electronic and Electrical Architecture (E/E), powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. This innovative system unifies all cockpit, driving, power, and body controls under a single, high-performance chip, delivering seamless digital integration and ADAS Level 2+ safety features.
With its eyes set on global expansion, Leapmotor is aligning with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategy, which emphasizes sustainability and aims for carbon neutrality by 2038. The partnership will support Leapmotor’s introduction of five new models in the coming years, ranging from compact to full-size vehicles, catering to the evolving needs of customers worldwide.
Leapmotor’s international ambitions will see the C10 and T03 models debut in Europe by September 2024, with 200 sales points planned by year-end and 500 by 2026. Expansion into India, the Middle East, Africa, and South America is also on the horizon, further solidifying Leapmotor’s position as a global leader in electric mobility.
As Leapmotor sets its sights on the global stage, it remains steadfast in advancing low-carbon, technologically advanced mobility solutions, powered by its innovative spirit and strategic partnership with Stellantis.
