A new low-cost electric SUV is on the horizon for Vauxhall, with assistance from Chinese company Leapmotor. The vehicle will be designed at Opel-Vauxhall's studio in Rüsselsheim, Germany, but its motor, electronics, and battery will come from Leapmotor. This partnership marks a significant step forward for both companies, as it aims to support production and advance localization in Europe of world manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices.
The new SUV is expected to be larger than the previous Vauxhall Chevette, which was known for its affordability but limited space. The latest sales trends suggest that consumers are looking for more spacious vehicles, making this a timely development for the market.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa described the partnership as a 'true win-win' for both companies, highlighting the benefits of combining Leapmotor's leading-edge technologies with Stellantis' global reach and regional expertise.
The joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor dates back to October 2023, when Leapmotor International was launched. Since then, the brand has expanded its activities to several continents, including South America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Last year, LPMI began sales in Mexico, marking an important milestone for the partnership. The new electric SUV is expected to be manufactured at the Stellantis Figueruelas factory in Zaragoza, Spain, starting in 2028.
The production timeline is impressive, considering that product development typically takes 3 to 5 years. This suggests that the companies have made significant strides in streamlining their processes and leveraging Leapmotor's 'China speed' expertise.
Vauxhall-Opel boss Florian Huettl praised the partnership, saying they learned from the 'China speed' process and will use it to bring new vehicles to market quickly.
The new electric SUV is expected to be a game-changer for Vauxhall, offering customers more affordable options while meeting their growing demand for spacious vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards more sustainable and affordable transportation options, this partnership marks an important step forward for both Stellantis and Leapmotor.
This partnership will help expand the European market for electric vehicles and bring more affordable options to customers.
