Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies, a leading Chinese electric car manufacturer, is set to start producing small electric car models at the Stellantis car factory in Tychy, Poland. Reuters reported this development, citing sources familiar with the plans of the company.
Leapmotor will manufacture its T03 electric cars in Tychy as part of a joint venture initiative with Stellantis, an international automotive group headquartered in the Netherlands.
According to one of Reuters ‘ sources, production of these compact electric vehicles is scheduled to kick off in the second quarter of 2024.
Both Leapmotor and Stellantis have yet to respond to requests for comment from the news agency regarding this announcement.
Last year, Stellantis revealed its intention to acquire a 21% stake in Leapmotor for a deal valued at $1.6 billion. This agreement also includes the formation of a joint venture, granting Stellantis rights to produce, export, and sell Leapmotor cars outside of China.
The Chinese market regulator approved the joint venture’s establishment in March, with the company being based in the Netherlands, where Stellantis holds a majority 51% stake.
Previously, reports suggested that Stellantis plans to use Turin as the European production base for these small Chinese electric models.
Stellantis, known for its ownership of prominent car brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, and Chrysler, stands at the forefront of this collaboration, which underscores the growing significance of electric mobility in the automotive industry and the expanding presence of Chinese manufacturers in the global electric vehicle market.