Full Breakdown
Stellantis Eyes North American Production of Leapmotor EVs
5/26/2026, 12:23:57 PM
Stellantis Mulls Local Assembly of Leapmotor EVs in Mexico and Canada
Chief executive Antonio Filosa told investors that Stellantis is evaluating the assembly of Leapmotor electric vehicles in Mexico and, if conditions allow, in Canada. He said the United States currently lacks the capacity to host such production, so any North American rollout would focus on the two southern neighbours.
Partnership Background and Stakeholdings
Stellantis holds a 21 % stake in Zhejiang-based Leapmotor and a 51 % interest in a joint venture that grants exclusive rights to sell, distribute and manufacture Leapmotor models outside China. The partnership builds Leapmotor cars in Spain, is discussing Dongfeng-led Voyah assembly in France, and launched the B10, C10 and T03 in Mexico in April.
Key Data Points
The Leapmotor B10 compact crossover carries a 67.1 kWh battery and costs about €30,000 (? $35,000) in Europe. Canada and the United States each cap Chinese EV imports at 49,000 units annually with a 6.1 % tariff. Stellantis’ Brampton, Ontario plant, idle since December 2023 after ending Dodge Charger and Challenger production, could be retrofitted for Leapmotor assembly.
Official Statements & Responses
Filosa said Mexico offers a viable site for Leapmotor assembly and Canada could follow, but the United States lacks capacity. Canadian officials—Industry Minister Melanie Joly and Premier Doug Ford—stress that any local operation must involve full manufacturing, not merely re-assembly.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue that U.S. capacity limits Stellantis’ ability to meet domestic demand for Chinese-origin EVs, raising protectionist concerns. Canadian policymakers contend that re-assembly would not create enough jobs, urging full manufacturing to meet local employment goals.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the idle plant’s location—one cites a “Brompton, Toronto” facility, another a “Brampton, Ontario” plant. Ownership figures also conflict: a 21 % equity stake versus a 51 % joint-venture share granting exclusive rights outside China. No firm retrofitting timeline is disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I believe that there is space in Mexico. There is, maybe, space in Canada. We’ll see,” — Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis
- “Now there is no space in the United States. We don’t see that.” — Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis
- “Stellantis currently owns 21% of Leapmotor, making it the single largest shareholder of the Chinese firm.” — InsideEVs report
- “Through a 51% stake in a joint venture with Leapmotor, the company also has exclusive rights to sell, distribute, and manufacture the brand’s models outside of China.” — InsideEVs report
What’s Next
Stellantis will study retrofitting the Brampton plant later this year and continue talks with Canadian authorities on local manufacturing scope. A formal decision on a North American Leapmotor assembly line is expected after regulatory clearance and market demand are clarified.
