Stellantis und Leapmotor: Eine vielversprechende Partnerschaft mit Hindernissen im Rennen um Elektromobilität

How promising is Leapmotor as a partner for Stellantis?

The partnership between the two firms presents opportunities but might also encounter some challenges…

The competition to electrify the automotive industry is intensifying between the West and Asia. Soon, a significant portion of the global population is expected to switch to zero-emission vehicles. Consequently, numerous car manufacturers are striving to establish a market presence to ensure their long-term significance.

China is currently leading the charge in the all-electric mobility sector on a worldwide scale. Western nations are observing and striving to bridge the widening gap. To buy time, European car manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with their rapidly expanding rivals.

Photo Gallery: Leapmotor T03

The Chinese car industry, once a student for decades, is now showcasing that it's not only surpassing its global sales mentors but also capable of producing quality, efficient, and affordable vehicles. As the world turns to electric vehicles as a potential answer to climate challenges, the manufacturing prowess of China becomes essential for Europe, the US, Korea, and Japan.

Benefits of Collaboration

Stellantis' recent purchase of a 20% stake in Leapmotor is indicative of the trend, following other partnerships such as BMW with Great Wall Motor (GWM), Mercedes with Geely, and Volkswagen with Xpeng. But what is the potential success of Leapmotor for Stellantis?

Engine model T03

Jump Engine C10

The collaboration between the two companies appears to be mutually beneficial. Although Leapmotor isn't one of the top eight major Chinese firms (which include BYD, Chery, Changan, Dongfeng, Geely, GAC, GWM, and SAIC), it's not facing any financial troubles either. Last year, the company sold approximately 144,000 new cars, out of which 99,500 were fully electric vehicles. Leapmotor is recognized as a significant and financially stable startup. This is similar to other companies like NIO, which sold 160,000 units, Xpeng with 142,000 units, Hozon at 127,000 units, and Li Auto at a notable 376,000 units.

Leapmotor is poised to supply Stellantis not only with a significant number of orders but also with expertise in electric vehicles and their associated technologies. Strategies to leverage this benefit in Europe by launching the Chinese brand by September 2024 have already been shared.

Potential Hurdles Ahead

The venture of the Chinese brand into the European market might face difficulties considering their product lineup. They are planning to launch the Leapmotor T03 and C10 across nine European countries. These models are among a wider selection that includes the C01, C11, and C16 models, consisting of two mid-sized SUVs, a large SUV, a sedan, and a compact city car. It's unlikely that any of these models will capture the attention of European car buyers.

The T03 represents a compact electric vehicle. It is anticipated that Stellantis will maintain its strong standing in Europe's A-segment, owing primarily to the success of models such as the Fiat 500 and the Panda, particularly in Italy, despite the overall declining sales figures in this category, largely due to a lack of competition.

In 2014, these vehicles accounted for 8.9 percent of total registrations in Europe. This year, their market share has dropped to just 4.9 percent through April. This raises the question of whether European drivers actually need another city car from an unknown brand.

Additional details regarding Chinese brands.

Additionally, there's the C10, a mid-sized electric SUV that's 4.73 meters long and seats five. It's roughly the same size as the Tesla Model Y (4.75 meters), Toyota bZ4X (4.69 meters), and the seven-seater Mercedes EQB (4.68 meters). However, to date, all attempts to topple the Model Y's strong market position have not succeeded. Why would another SUV, especially one that's relatively unknown in Europe, suddenly fare any better?

The only benefit left for Stellantis and Leapmotor in launching the brand would likely be a highly competitive price point.

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