Story perspectives

Stellantis, Leapmotor Discuss EV Assembly Amid Ontario Concerns

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Stellantis NV is in early talks with Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology to assemble EVs at the idled Brampton plant.
The talks follow a January tariff-reduction on Chinese EVs, signaling new Canada-China auto investment dynamics.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford opposes the deal unless it uses local parts, citing knockdown kits.
Lana Payne of Unifor says such arrangements won’t restore pre-trade-war employment, while the government stresses local labor and supply chains.

History

Historical Context

The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, signed in 1989, transformed North American trade, boosting cross-border exchanges by 30% and reshaping industries like automotive manufacturing. Recent negotiations between Stellantis NV and Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology reflect evolving Canadian auto investment strategies amid tariff reductions, while Premier Doug Ford's focus on local parts underscores ongoing concerns about job restoration and supply chain integrity in the current economic landscape.

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Story summary

Stellantis NV is in early talks with Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology to assemble EVs at the idled Brampton plant.
The talks follow a January tariff-reduction on Chinese EVs, signaling new Canada-China auto investment dynamics.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford opposes the deal unless it uses local parts, citing knockdown kits.
Lana Payne of Unifor says such arrangements won’t restore pre-trade-war employment, while the government stresses local labor and supply chains.

1 / 2