- Stellantis eyes 150,000 EVs yearly in Italy with Leapmotor at Mirafiori.
- Leapmotor International, a joint venture, focuses on exclusive EV production outside China.
- Stellantis aligns with Dare Forward 2030, leveraging Leapmotor’s tech to increase Italian output.
Stellantis and Leapmotor joint venture could lead to the production of 150,000 EVs in Italy
Stellantis, the global automotive giant, is reportedly considering Italy as a potential hub for producing Leapmotor electric vehicles (EVs). The company is contemplating assembling up to 150,000 EVs annually at its Mirafiori complex in Turin, according to Automotive News Europe.
This move comes after Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor in a significant $1.6 billion deal last year. As part of this agreement, a joint venture named Leapmotor International was established, with Stellantis holding a controlling 51% interest. This joint venture granted Stellantis the exclusive rights to manufacture Leapmotor’s EVs outside China.
Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer, could initiate a European presence within the next two years, with production potentially commencing in Italy around 2026 or 2027. Mirafiori, currently producing the 500 BEV small car, stands as a potential site for Leapmotor’s EV production. This strategic move aligns with Stellantis’ objective of increasing its output in Italy to one million vehicles by the end of the decade, following agreements made with the Italian government.
Stellantis’ plans also involve leveraging Leapmotor’s advanced EV technology, particularly its Leap 3.0 platform, known for its innovation and cost-efficiency. This move follows Stellantis’ recent closure of its joint venture plant in China due to challenges arising from political interference in the country’s economy.
Stellantis’ Italian production goals are contingent upon various factors, including government incentives for auto purchases, the development of electric charging infrastructure, and favourable energy costs. We’ll have to wait and see if this venture comes to pass. If it does, it could be a huge boost towards smaller, more affordable, EVs across Europe.
