Stellantis To Launch China’s Leapmotor EVs In India By End-2024
In a glimpse of what the future may hold for the automotive industry, auto giant Stellantis has revealed global plans for its joint venture (JV) with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) firm Leapmotor. Through a presentation, Stellantis confirmed that as part of its JV with Leapmotor, it will begin manufacturing and selling Leapmotor EVs in key global markets, including India, towards the end of 2024. Leapmotor International, a Stellantis-led joint venture, which has exclusive rights for the export and sale, as well as manufacturing, of Leapmotor vehicles outside China, is expected to initially launch two models in India – the T03 hatchback and the C10 electric SUV.
Even as uncertainty clouds the future of Chinese-made vehicles in the Indian market, at this point, Stellantis has refrained from confirming if it will assemble Leapmotor’s EVs at one of its existing manufacturing facilities in India, or import them. However, speaking to media after the announcement, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said that bearing in mind the “severe” duty imported vehicles are subjected to, the company may choose to utilise its existing local production footprint, if it is feasible from a cost point of view.
“It is quite clear that each time we are facing severe customs duties or tariffs it is a good opportunity for us to use Stellantis manufacturing within the bubble. We can consider using our manufacturing footprint If it makes economic sense”, Tavares told reporters.
In response to a question from carandbike, Tavares said it was too early to comment on specific plans for the Indian market, but did mention the company will evaluate retailing Leapmotor EVs through a multi-brand setup run by existing dealers.
“We have to think [of India] as we do for any other market. Do we bring new dealers into the fold and offer them the chance to run a multi-brand dealership or create new dealerships, that is still to be decided at this point”, Tavares said.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
