Stellantis Considers Building Leapmotor EVs at Historic Fiat Plant in Italy
Stellantis made headlines last October with its acquisition of a 21 percent stake in Chinese automaker Leapmotor for $1.5 billion. Now, the Euro-American corporation is exploring the possibility of manufacturing Leapmotor electric vehicles (EVs) at Fiat’s renowned Mirafiori plant in Turin.
Potential Production at Mirafiori Plant
According to Automotive News Europe, Stellantis is considering producing up to 150,000 budget-friendly EVs annually at the Mirafiori plant, with production expected to commence in 2026 or 2027. By manufacturing these vehicles in Italy, Stellantis aims to avoid potential tariffs on Chinese EV imports and benefit from a strategic location within Europe.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares expressed willingness to manufacture Leapmotor cars in Italy if it proves economically viable. The establishment of a joint venture named Leapmotor International, based in the Netherlands and controlled by Stellantis, aims to drive 500,000 sales outside of China by the end of the decade.
Revitalizing Mirafiori Plant
Mirafiori, Europe’s oldest car factory, has a rich history dating back to the late 1930s. Currently underutilized, the plant produces the Maserati Levante and electric Fiat 500, totaling around 95,000 units. Stellantis had previously announced plans to invest up to €200 million ($215 million) in the Mirafiori plant by 2025, transforming it into a carbon-neutral facility for design, research and development, and central functions.
Importing Leapmotor Vehicles from China
While preparations for local production are underway, Stellantis and Leapmotor plan to import vehicles from China in the interim. The first model expected to arrive in Europe is the C10 SUV, comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y. The C10 offers electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the electric version boasting a single 228 hp motor on the rear axle and a range of 329 miles.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor signifies a strategic move to expand their presence in both European and Chinese markets. With plans to leverage the manufacturing capabilities of the historic Mirafiori plant, Stellantis aims to strengthen its foothold in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
For more information, visit Auto News Europe.
Sources:
– Auto News Europe