Opel EV SUV Deal: Stellantis & Leapmotor Forge Tech Alliance

Stellantis is reportedly in advanced talks with China's Leapmotor to co-develop an Opel-branded electric SUV. This collaboration would see the new vehicle utilize Leapmotor's electric vehicle technology and potentially be manufactured at Stellantis's Zaragoza plant in Spain, with production slated to commence in 2028. The target production volume is approximately 50,000 vehicles annually.

The proposed partnership is seen as a strategic move by Stellantis to streamline development expenses and timelines. As the automotive group recalibrates its electrification strategy, focusing more on hybrid vehicles, this collaboration will help counter the rising competition from Chinese brands, such as BYD, in Europe. It also aims to improve the utilization rates of its regional manufacturing facilities.

Under the proposed terms, Leapmotor would contribute key technologies, including electronic and electrical systems, while Opel would lead the exterior design. A substantial portion of the development work is anticipated to occur in China. Discussions for this project, codenamed O3U, reportedly began in late 2025, with an agreement possibly finalized this month. Stellantis has acknowledged ongoing engagements with Leapmotor regarding expanded collaboration.

This potential venture follows a prior partnership established in 2023, where Stellantis acquired a significant stake in Leapmotor and formed a joint venture for international sales and production. Leapmotor has previously indicated plans for mass production in Spain starting in October, with several projects with Stellantis in advanced negotiation stages.