Stellantis, Leapmotor to Begin EV Assembly in Malaysia to Support Southeast Asia Expansion

Leapmotor and Stellantis NV will begin localized production of electric vehicles in Malaysia this year, marking the next phase of the Chinese EV maker’s global expansion strategy. The announcement comes months after production for Leapmotor models commenced in Europe through the companies’ existing partnership.

Stellantis, Europe’s second-largest carmaker by volume, revealed plans to assemble Leapmotor vehicles at its Gurun plant in Kedah, Malaysia. The project will start with an initial investment of €5 million ($5.7 million), with the first localized model, the Leapmotor C10 SUV, expected to roll off the line by the end of 2025.

See also: Leapmotor Launches B10 Crossover in China, Undercutting BYD Atto 3 with 800V Tech and 600 km Range

The C10, offered in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants, was first introduced in China in March 2024. It has since been launched across 13 European markets, alongside Leapmotor’s compact T03 model. The C10 is currently priced from RMB 128,800 ($17,640) in its domestic market and was showcased at the Brussels auto show earlier this year.

Stellantis described its Gurun plant as a strategically positioned hub with strong manufacturing capabilities, capable of scaling up production and meeting demand across the ASEAN region. The move is expected to broaden Stellantis’ EV offerings and support regional efforts toward sustainable transportation.

See also: Stellantis Halts Production of Leapmotor T03 in Poland

The joint venture behind the global push—Leapmotor International—was formally established in May 2024, with Stellantis holding a 51 percent stake. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the venture is led by Stellantis China vice president Xin Tianshu. The collaboration follows Stellantis’ €1.5 billion investment in Leapmotor last October, making it the largest external stakeholder in the EV manufacturer.

Leapmotor entered the Malaysian market in October 2024, shortly before its EV rollout in Thailand. As localized production expands, the company aims to accelerate its reach across Southeast Asia, aligning with its broader global ambitions.