Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor has expanded its footprint in Europe, entering seven new markets over the past two weeks through partnerships supported by Stellantis. The company is now present in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
The latest expansion brings Leapmotorās total number of sales and service locations across Europe to 600. Stellantis said the growth was driven by āa series of strategic appointments and partnerships executed in line with Leapmotorās European development plan.ā
Stellantis formed a joint venture with Leapmotor in 2023 after acquiring a 20% stake in the company for ā¬1.5 billion. The joint venture, Leapmotor International, holds exclusive rights to export, sell, and manufacture Leapmotor vehicles outside Greater China.
Leapmotor International initially launched operations in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, and Romania. The company now aims to reach over 700 locations across the G10 countries and key import markets by the end of 2025.
āThis rapid expansion underlines our commitment to building a truly customer-centric EV ecosystem in Europe,ā said Danilo Annese, Head of Europe Commercial Operations at Leapmotor International. āWe are not only scaling our presence but ensuring that Leapmotor owners enjoy comprehensive support and service wherever they are.ā
The company said the network growth is designed to keep the average travel time to a Leapmotor service location under 25 minutes, with the goal of improving convenience, trust, and after-sales service for EV customers.
In Ireland, Leapmotor has partnered with Gowan Auto, which also handles distribution for all Stellantis brands and Honda in the country. Gowan will offer the Leapmotor T03 city car and the C10, available in both battery-electric (BEV) and range-extended (EREV) versions, beginning in September 2025.
For markets including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia, Leapmotor is working with the Emil Frey Group, which also partners with the brand in Switzerland. In Bulgaria, Leapmotor has teamed up with SFA Automotive LTD, Stellantisās existing sales partner in the country.