Prime Highlights :
- Stellantis and Leapmotor are closing in on a deal to jointly develop an Opel electric SUV at the Zaragoza plant in Spain, with production set to begin in 2028.
- The Opel SUV project is the most advanced of several ongoing discussions, with early talks also underway on an Alfa Romeo model and the next-generation Opel Mokka B.
Key Facts :
- Stellantis is a Franco-Italian automaker and the parent company of brands including Opel, Alfa Romeo and Jeep.
- Leapmotor is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer founded in 2015.
Background :
Stellantis is in advanced talks with Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor to jointly develop an Opel-branded electric SUV, with production planned at its Zaragoza plant in Spain. Three sources familiar with the matter confirmed the discussions.
The new model, internally codenamed O3U, would share its platform with Leapmotor’s B10 compact SUV. Talks began in late 2025, and both sides could finalise an agreement as early as this month. Production is expected to begin in 2028, with a target output of 50,000 vehicles per year.
Leapmotor is going to supply key electrical parts, while Opel will handle the exterior design. A significant portion of vehicle development would take place in China.
The move helps Stellantis reduce EV development costs and time, as the automaker shifts emphasis toward hybrid vehicles. Earlier this year, Stellantis announced a $25 billion writedown linked to scaling back its electric vehicle ambitions. The company is also working to better utilise its European factories and counter growing competition from Chinese brands, including BYD.
Stellantis already owns roughly a fifth of Leapmotor after a 2023 acquisition and runs a joint venture, Leapmotor International, which handles Leapmotor’s sales and production outside China.
Beyond the Opel SUV, Stellantis is also in early discussions on using Leapmotor’s technology for the next-generation Opel Mokka B and a potential Alfa Romeo model, also based at Zaragoza. Talks on smaller A-segment models using Leapmotor’s architecture are also ongoing.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is scheduled to present a new long-term business plan later in May.