Exclusive: Chinas Leapmotor to build EVs at Stellantis Polish plant, sources say

According to The Iran Project,Production of Leapmotor's T03 small EV car could start before the end of June, using the semi-knocked down (SKD) technique involving turning partially-assembled kits into finished vehicles, one of the people said.
Stellantis (STLAM.MI), opens new tab chose the site for its partner as part of a joint venture they agreed last year.

Tychy will ensure low costs for a product designed to be affordable for a broad range of customers, the second source said. Both sources declined to be identified because the details are not public.

A Stellantis spokesperson declined to comment. Leapmotor representatives could not reached for immediate comment.

With a range of 280 kilometres (174 miles), the T03 is already being imported into some European markets, including France, with prices starting at around 20,000 euros ($21,642).

The model offers to help Stellantis boost its low-cost EV offerings and compete with Renault's (RENA.PA), opens new tab Dacia Spring and BYD's (002594.SZ), opens new tab Seagull.

Chinese automakers are bringing a number of lower-cost EV models to Europe, which has spurred a race by legacy European automakers to develop more affordable electric vehicles.
Trade tensions are running high between China and the European Union, which is investigating whether Chinese EV makers benefit from unfair government subsidies.

Chinese manufacturers are also looking to build assembly plants in Europe. BYD has announced it will build a plant in Hungary, while rival Chery Auto is assessing options for a similar investment, including possibly in Italy and Spain.

Stellantis said last year it was buying a 21% stake in Leapmotor in a $1.6 billion deal that would give it a fresh shot at China, the world's biggest car market by sales.

Reporter : Editorial of The Iran Project

Exclusive: China's Leapmotor to build EVs at Stellantis' Polish plant, sources say