Stellantis is in advanced discussions with Leapmotor to jointly develop a new electric SUV under the Opel marque, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter.
The model is expected to be produced at Stellantis’ plant in Zaragoza and will be based on Leapmotor’s technology, enabling the automaker to shorten development timelines and reduce costs, the report said.
The planned vehicle will reportedly share its platform with Leapmotor’s B10 compact SUV, which is also scheduled to be assembled at the Zaragoza facility later this year for the European market. Production of the Opel-branded model is targeted to begin in 2028, with an annual output of around 50,000 units.
Under the proposed arrangement, Leapmotor would supply core technologies and key components, including electronic and electrical systems, while Opel would take responsibility for exterior design. A substantial portion of research and development work is expected to be carried out in China, according to one of the sources.
Talks on the project, internally referred to as O3U, began in late 2025, and a formal agreement could be reached as early as this month, Reuters reported.
The collaboration forms part of a broader strategic relationship between Stellantis and Leapmotor, following Stellantis’ €1.5 billion investment in the Chinese EV maker in 2023, which gave it a roughly 20% stake and made it the company’s largest external shareholder.
The two companies are also exploring additional joint projects, including potential models for the Alfa Romeo brand using the same architecture, as well as smaller A-segment vehicles that may require separate production lines.
Separately, Stellantis is assessing the possibility of producing Leapmotor-based EVs in North America. According to a Bloomberg report, early-stage discussions are focused on reviving an idled facility in Brampton, which has been inactive for several years.
The potential move would mark a significant development in Chinese investment in Canada’s automotive sector, following a policy shift allowing limited imports of Chinese-built EVs at reduced tariff rates.
The Opel SUV project represents the most advanced initiative in a series of ongoing talks between Stellantis and Leapmotor, highlighting growing cross-border cooperation in the global electric vehicle industry.