Malaysia is charging ahead in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape as global automotive powerhouse Stellantis teams up with China’s innovative NEV player, Leapmotor, to kick off local assembly of electric vehicles in the country. This landmark moves not only marks Leapmotor’s official manufacturing debut in Malaysia but also signals a significant leap in Southeast Asia’s journey toward sustainable mobility.
Anchoring the initiative at Stellantis’ established Gurun plant in Kedah, the project starts with an initial investment of EUR 5 million (RM24 million). The Gurun facility, long recognized as a key manufacturing hub in the region, will be the birthplace of the first locally assembled Leapmotor EVs—starting with the Leapmotor C10, with production slated to begin by the end of 2025.
According to Stellantis, this milestone is more than a new manufacturing venture—it’s a pivotal chapter in its Dare Forward 2030 strategy. With the India & Asia Pacific region identified as a primary growth engine, the partnership underscores Stellantis’ vision to scale up EV offerings while making advanced, accessible mobility solutions available across Southeast Asia.
“This milestone marks more than the start of local assembly—it marks the next chapter in Stellantis’ electrification journey across ASEAN,” said Ashwani Muppasani, COO of Stellantis India & Asia Pacific. “By combining Leapmotor’s EV innovation and success with Stellantis’ regional expertise and global scale, we are laying the foundation for an accessible, sustainable future of mobility right here in Malaysia.”
The collaboration fits squarely within Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy (NAP 2030) and bolsters the country’s broader goals as it prepares to take on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. The localized EV production is expected to catalyze technology transfer, spur industrial development, and deepen bilateral ties between Malaysia and China.
Stellantis ASEAN Managing Director Isaac Yeo highlighted the Gurun plant’s enhanced capabilities to support this new venture. “We are proud that Leapmotor will be the first locally assembled electric vehicle to emerge from this plant. This marks a meaningful step forward not just for Stellantis, but for Malaysia’s role in the regional EV landscape.”
Leapmotor’s leadership echoed similar optimism. Founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming emphasized that the project will accelerate Leapmotor’s global footprint and serve as a springboard for entering the wider ASEAN market. “We look forward to working with Stellantis Group to bring new technology and vitality to the transformation of Malaysia’s automotive industry,” he said.
Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, added, “Our brand promise, ‘Excellence Within Reach,’ is more than a slogan. It’s our mission to make high-quality EV technology accessible to all. This partnership strengthens our shared ambition to promote clean energy adoption in the region.”
Following its anticipated Malaysian debut in October 2024 and an earlier successful rollout in Thailand, Leapmotor is poised to extend its reach across ASEAN, leveraging Stellantis’ robust regional distribution network.
Together, Stellantis and Leapmotor are not just building cars—they’re building an inclusive, electrified future for Southeast Asia, starting from Malaysia and accelerating across the region. More details on specific models, pricing, and availability are expected in the lead-up to the 2025 production kickoff. 
