Stellantis (STLAP) expands Leapmotor EV partnership, eyes Europe production boost
Stellantis has announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Leapmotor, with plans to intensify electric vehicle (EV) production in Europe. The collaboration involves assessing the addition of a new production line at Stellantis's Figueruelas plant in Spain for an Opel C-SUV BEV, potentially commencing in 2028. Concurrently, production of the Leapmotor C-SUV B10 model could be introduced at the same facility as early as 2026. Stellantis shares (STLAP) are trading at €6.30 on May 13, 2026, having risen 0.7% from their previous close of €6.25.
This development follows a strengthening of their strategic alliance on battery electric vehicles, initially outlined on May 11, 2026, which saw Stellantis shares fall 0.3%. The two manufacturers also intend to cooperate on purchasing to enhance price competitiveness and accelerate the market introduction of new models. Integrating Leapmotor model production in Europe, alongside Opel vehicles, underscores a strategy to optimise Stellantis's existing industrial capacity to meet the continent's increasing EV demand.
The announcement provides a new impetus for the stock, which had declined 1.7% on May 11 and 2.4% on May 12. This concrete progression of the partnership with Leapmotor emerges after Stellantis reported a return to profitability in the first quarter of 2026, with net revenues increasing 6%, as detailed on May 7, 2026.
Why Stellantis's Concrete EV Production Plans Are Reassuring Investors
Stellantis is one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, formed from the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler. The company designs, engineers, manufactures, and sells a wide range of vehicles, from city cars to commercial vans, under iconic brands like Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, and Opel. Its business model revolves around selling these vehicles, along with associated services and spare parts, to a global customer base of individuals and businesses.
The specific driver behind today's modest uplift is the tangible acceleration of Stellantis's strategic partnership with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Leapmotor for European production. This goes beyond a mere statement of intent, with Stellantis now evaluating a new production line at its Figueruelas plant in Spain for a future Opel C-SUV battery electric vehicle, potentially by 2028. Crucially, the plan includes bringing production of the Leapmotor C-SUV B10 model to the same Spanish factory as early as 2026, optimising Stellantis's existing industrial capacity and directly addressing growing demand for EVs.
This clarification regarding the rapid ramp-up of EV production in Europe has been well-received by the market, pushing Stellantis (STLAP) shares up 0.7% to trade at €6.30, following yesterday's close at €6.25.
Consider a chef who has announced an ambitious new menu item. The market's reaction today is akin to that chef not just talking about the dish, but showing you the detailed prep schedule, the specific ingredients being sourced, and the exact station where it will be made, all within their existing kitchen. It transforms a promising idea into a concrete, executable plan, building confidence in the delivery.
Stellantis
Stellantis N.V. (STLAP) operates globally as a diversified automotive group, encompassing the design, engineering, manufacturing, and distribution of a broad spectrum of vehicles, including luxury and premium passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Beyond vehicle production, its operations extend to engines, transmission systems, metallurgical products, and production systems. The company also provides a comprehensive suite of mobility services, alongside retail and dealer financing, leasing, and rental solutions. Its extensive brand portfolio features Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, DS, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Ram, Opel, Lancia, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Teksid, and Comau, with products sold directly and through a network of distributors and dealers. Stellantis was established in 1899 and is headquartered in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.