Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor made a significant stride in its global expansion plan by unveiling the C10, its first international model, at the IAA Mobility event held in Munich, Germany. The debut of the C10 signifies a pivotal moment in Leapmotor’s strategy to establish a worldwide presence.
The C10, a mid-to-large-size SUV, is built upon Leapmotor’s cutting-edge Leap 3.0 architecture and will be offered in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
See also: Leapmotor Unveils $23,500 EREV SUV Leap C11 with 1,024 km Combined Range in China
Leapmotor, founded in 2015, initially gained recognition for its economical EV T03 model. However, with subsequent releases like the coupe S01, flagship SUV C11, and flagship sedan C01, the company has expanded its product range, targeting mid-to-high-end markets with higher-priced offerings.
Zhu Jiangming, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Leapmotor, revealed the company’s strategic vision during a statement following the announcement of their third-quarter results on November 14, 2022. He emphasized that all models under the company’s C platform, as well as upcoming platforms, would incorporate both BEV and EREV variants.
Leapmotor took a significant step towards this goal by launching an EREV version of its C11 SUV on March 1. The C01 sedan, while currently lacking an EREV variant in the Chinese market, has already been included in a filing catalog with Chinese industrial regulators in July, suggesting its forthcoming introduction.
Aside from offering multiple powertrain options, Leapmotor will provide consumers with a choice between a five-seat and a six-seat configuration for the C10, enhancing its appeal in various global markets.
A noteworthy feature of the C10 showcased at the IAA Mobility event was the integration of LiDAR technology on the roof, a feature distinct from any of Leapmotor’s current models.
See also: What we know so far about Leapmotor C01 Specifications
Leapmotor’s ambitious global strategy aims to introduce five new models within the next two years, targeting both left-hand and right-hand drive markets across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Furthermore, in an unexpected move, Leapmotor announced its intention to not only enter the European automotive market as a manufacturer but also to offer electrical and electronic architecture technology exports and explore vehicle manufacturing-based partnerships. This strategic diversification reflects Leapmotor’s commitment to shaping the future of electric mobility on a global scale.
