Stellantis has started local assembly of Leapmotor electric vehicles in Malaysia, producing the Leapmotor C10 SUV at its Gurun manufacturing facility in Kedah as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia’s growing electric vehicle market.
The company said the Leapmotor B10 is expected to join production at the plant by the end of 2026, expanding the lineup assembled in Malaysia.
The move marks a new phase in the partnership between Stellantis and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor, with Malaysia being positioned as a key manufacturing base for the ASEAN region.
Investment Supports Local EV Production
Stellantis said it invested approximately €2.23 million (US$2.59 million) in establishing the local assembly operation at the Gurun facility.
A further €3.1 million (US$3.6 million) has been allocated for production line enhancements and infrastructure upgrades.
While the company is assessing opportunities to export vehicles to other ASEAN markets, its immediate focus remains on serving domestic demand in Malaysia.
Workforce Trained for EV Manufacturing
According to Stellantis, technical personnel at the Gurun plant have completed specialized training covering the assembly and handling of high-voltage electric vehicle systems rated up to 800 volts.
Production is being carried out under a global Stellantis-Leapmotor manufacturing and quality framework designed to maintain consistency across facilities.
The company added that the operation has received approvals from Malaysian and international regulatory authorities following validation and certification processes.
Regional Electrification Strategy
The assembly launch forms part of Stellantis’ broader electrification plans across the Asia-Pacific region and reflects increasing efforts by global automakers to localize EV production in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia has been actively promoting investments in electric vehicle manufacturing as countries across ASEAN seek to develop domestic EV industries and attract new automotive investment.
“The start of Leapmotor’s local assembly operations at our Gurun plant is a landmark achievement that places Malaysia at the forefront of EV industrialisation in the ASEAN region,” said Isaac Yeo, managing director of Stellantis ASEAN.
“As a crucial pillar within Stellantis APAC region for global growth, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to drive our regional expansion and lead by example.”
“By leveraging Stellantis’ strategic partnership with Leapmotor, we are not only accelerating Stellantis’ regional electrification roadmap, but delivering high-tech, accessible mobility solutions for consumers while upskilling our manufacturing capabilities.”
Evaluating Future Export Opportunities
The company said regional export opportunities remain under review as it evaluates market conditions and regulatory frameworks across ASEAN countries.
Industry observers view the project as part of a broader trend of international automakers partnering with Chinese EV manufacturers to expand access to fast-growing markets while benefiting from local production capabilities.
The launch also highlights the growing role of Southeast Asia in global electric vehicle supply chains as governments across the region introduce policies aimed at encouraging EV adoption and manufacturing investment.