Mar 21, 2025
Stellantis and Leapmotor are reportedly preferring Spain for the production of the B10 electric SUV.
Stellantis, in collaboration with its Chinese partner Leapmotor, views Spain as the leading option for manufacturing the B10 electric SUV aimed at the European market, according to an individual familiar with the situation.
The two companies have been exploring locations in Europe to produce this model, which made its European debut last September.
Additionally, Stellantis’ facilities in Germany and Slovakia have been considered, as reported by Reuters earlier.
To qualify for the highest level of government subsidies, both companies are increasing their efforts to source components from suppliers in Spain, as stated by the source, who requested anonymity since the information is not public.
Although Leapmotor and Stellantis have not finalized their decision, they intend to commence mass production of the vehicle in the first quarter of 2026, the source mentioned.
Stellantis declined to provide a comment, and Leapmotor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Leapmotor has indicated that the B10 is the inaugural model in a series of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) they are launching for international markets, while Stellantis has remarked that the model will deliver 'high-tech, affordable EVs' to consumers beyond China.
Previously, Leapmotor and Stellantis abandoned their initial plan to manufacture the B10 in Poland after the Chinese government privately advised automakers to restrain significant investments in European nations that supported the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, as Reuters reported earlier.
The companies then evaluated the possibility of utilizing a Stellantis facility located in Eisenach, Germany, responsible for producing Opel vehicles, as well as its plant in Trnava, Slovakia.
With comparatively low labor costs and attractive government incentives for clean energy, Spain has already drawn battery manufacturers like CATL and Envision AESC to establish production facilities.
The two companies have been exploring locations in Europe to produce this model, which made its European debut last September.
Additionally, Stellantis’ facilities in Germany and Slovakia have been considered, as reported by Reuters earlier.
To qualify for the highest level of government subsidies, both companies are increasing their efforts to source components from suppliers in Spain, as stated by the source, who requested anonymity since the information is not public.
Although Leapmotor and Stellantis have not finalized their decision, they intend to commence mass production of the vehicle in the first quarter of 2026, the source mentioned.
Stellantis declined to provide a comment, and Leapmotor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Leapmotor has indicated that the B10 is the inaugural model in a series of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) they are launching for international markets, while Stellantis has remarked that the model will deliver 'high-tech, affordable EVs' to consumers beyond China.
Previously, Leapmotor and Stellantis abandoned their initial plan to manufacture the B10 in Poland after the Chinese government privately advised automakers to restrain significant investments in European nations that supported the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, as Reuters reported earlier.
The companies then evaluated the possibility of utilizing a Stellantis facility located in Eisenach, Germany, responsible for producing Opel vehicles, as well as its plant in Trnava, Slovakia.
With comparatively low labor costs and attractive government incentives for clean energy, Spain has already drawn battery manufacturers like CATL and Envision AESC to establish production facilities.