Jeep, Peugeot parent is learning to build cars at 'China speed' from Leapmotor

Stellantis is studying how Leapmotor can develop a new vehicle in as little as 14 to 16 months, as the relationship between the two automakers becomes increasingly two-way.

The partnership was initially seen as Stellantis helping a young Chinese brand expand internationally by providing dealers, parts distribution, logistics, manufacturing expertise and knowledge of overseas customers.

That remains part of the arrangement, but Leapmotor executives say Stellantis is now learning from the Chinese automaker's speed, software-led development and component integration.

Speaking with media, including CarExpert, at the international launch of the Leapmotor B03X in Spain, Leapmotor International commercial head for Enlarged Europe Danilo Annese said the exchange went beyond finished vehicle technology.

"Stellantis is learning the pace, is learning the speed," said Mr Annese.

"If we are able to develop a car in 14 to 16 months, for sure it's something that we need to carefully look at it at Stellantis to try to embrace the speed and the time to market."

Mr Annese didn't define the precise starting and finishing points in the 14-to-16-month period, so it shouldn't be compared directly with another automaker's quoted development time without knowing how each is measured.

His point was that Stellantis wants to understand how Leapmotor makes decisions and brings products to market so quickly.

"There are continuous exchanges between the two companies when it goes to technology, when it goes to platforms, when it goes to Chinese sourcing," he said.

Stellantis acquired an approximately 21 per cent stake in Leapmotor in 2023, making it the company's largest single shareholder. It also controls 51 per cent of Leapmotor International, which has exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor vehicles outside Greater China. Leapmotor owns the remaining 49 per cent.

Leapmotor International global head of brand strategy, product and marketing Francesco Giacalone said Stellantis engineers were examining the company's vehicles component by component to determine what could be transferred relatively easily and what would require deeper integration into a Stellantis architecture.

The learning also extends to how Leapmotor reduces cost and complexity.

Leapmotor global head of product planning and connectivity Tianyue Zhong said the company uses centralised electronics, highly integrated battery and power-control systems, common hidden components and fewer separate parts and fasteners.

The aim is to reduce weight, wiring, assembly time and material waste in areas customers don't see, then spend more on the cabin technology, space and materials they do notice.

Mr Zhong also argued time itself is a major vehicle cost. Shorter development programs reduce engineering overheads and allow a company to respond more quickly to changing technology and customer expectations.

The first concrete example outside the Leapmotor brand is a proposed Opel electric SUV.

Opel is evaluating a new C-segment (mid-size) SUV using core components from Leapmotor's latest electric architecture and battery technology.

The German brand would retain responsibility for its own design, chassis development, cabin, seating and lighting, with teams in Germany and China working together. The project is targeting a development period of less than two years, with potential production in Zaragoza, Spain, and sales from 2028.

It remains subject to final agreements and approvals, and isn't simply intended to be a Leapmotor with an Opel badge.

Stellantis and Leapmotor are also expanding joint purchasing, combining access to China's new-energy vehicle supply chain with Stellantis' European supplier network.

Neither company has identified an Australian-bound Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati or Ram model that will use Leapmotor underpinnings.

However, the processes Stellantis is studying could eventually influence vehicles sold here through shorter development programs, lower-cost electric technology and greater use of Chinese-sourced components.

Stellantis gives Leapmotor the infrastructure required to become a global automaker. Leapmotor is giving Stellantis access to the speed and development culture now reshaping the Chinese car industry.

Leapmotor isn't the only Chinese brand Stellantis is working with to develop global models.

Stellantis and Chinese automaker Dongfeng have confirmed their joint venture factory will begin producing “new energy” Peugeot and Jeep models from 2027 both for China and global export markets, with Jeep Australia expressing enthusiasm at offering such vehicles here.

The European/American automotive giant is also reportedly working with JAC on a new vehicle for its most upmarket brand, Maserati.

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