Stellantis expands Leapmotor EV partnership with new Spain production plans
By Cygnus | 08 May 2026
Summary
- Stellantis and Chinese EV maker Leapmotor are expanding their European manufacturing partnership, with Spain emerging as a major production hub for future electric vehicles.
- Production of the Leapmotor B10 electric SUV is expected to begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in 2026, while additional EV production is planned for the Madrid facility from 2028.
- The partnership aims to combine Chinese EV technology and supply-chain efficiency with European manufacturing and engineering to lower production costs and improve competitiveness.
MILAN, May 8, 2026 — Stellantis and Chinese electric vehicle company Leapmotor are expanding their partnership in Europe, with Spain set to play a central role in the companies’ long-term EV manufacturing strategy.
The announcement marks a broader industrial collaboration between the two automakers following Stellantis’ investment in Leapmotor and the creation of the Leapmotor International joint venture. The JV is majority-owned by Stellantis and oversees Leapmotor’s international operations outside China.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the strategy would strengthen local manufacturing while improving affordability in the European EV market.
Zaragoza plant to begin Leapmotor production
The companies confirmed that Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza will begin production of the Leapmotor B10 electric SUV during the second half of 2026.
The facility, one of Stellantis’ largest manufacturing sites in Europe, will also produce a future Opel-branded electric C-segment SUV later in the decade.
According to the companies, the Opel model will use components and EV architecture developed with Leapmotor technology, while design and engineering work will continue to be led by Opel teams in Germany.
Madrid plant discussions underway
Stellantis also confirmed discussions involving the future role of its Villaverde plant in Madrid as production of the Citroën C4 approaches the end of its lifecycle later this decade.
The companies are considering allocating future Leapmotor vehicle production to the Madrid site beginning around 2028. Reports have also indicated that ownership of the plant could eventually be transferred to a Spanish subsidiary of the Leapmotor International joint venture, although no final agreement has been announced.
If completed, the move would position Madrid as a manufacturing and export hub for Leapmotor vehicles serving European and other international markets.
Europe localisation strategy gains momentum
The partnership reflects a wider strategy by Chinese EV companies and European automakers to localise production within Europe amid rising trade tensions and potential tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles.
By manufacturing vehicles in Spain, Stellantis and Leapmotor could reduce logistics costs, improve eligibility for European incentives and avoid potential tariff-related disruptions affecting China-made EV imports.
Analysts also noted that the partnership allows Stellantis to benefit from Leapmotor’s lower-cost EV technology and faster development cycles while preserving European brand identity for models sold under Opel and other regional marques.
Why this matters
- European EV localisation:
Manufacturing vehicles in Spain helps reduce dependence on imports and supports compliance with European industrial policies. - Cost competitiveness:
The partnership is designed to narrow the price gap between European and Chinese electric vehicles through lower-cost sourcing and shared platforms. - Supply-chain strategy:
Using existing factories in Zaragoza and Madrid allows faster production expansion without building entirely new facilities. - Employment stability:
Future EV production plans could help preserve jobs at Stellantis’ Spanish plants as older combustion-engine vehicle programmes wind down.
FAQs
Q1. What is Leapmotor International?
Leapmotor International is a joint venture created by Stellantis and Leapmotor to manage the Chinese EV company’s operations outside China. Stellantis holds a majority stake in the venture.
Q2. When will the Leapmotor B10 be produced in Spain?
Production of the Leapmotor B10 electric SUV is expected to begin at the Zaragoza plant in the second half of 2026.
Q3. Will Opel continue producing its own vehicles?
Yes. Opel will continue designing and engineering its own vehicles, although some future EVs may use Leapmotor-developed technology and components.
Q4. What could happen to the Madrid plant?
The Villaverde plant in Madrid could become a future production hub for Leapmotor vehicles, with discussions ongoing regarding its ownership structure and long-term role.
