The beginning of European production of the Leapmotor T03 by Stellantis
After speculations in March 2024, Stellantis started manufacturing the Leapmotor T03, a compact Chinese electric car, at the Fiat factory in Tychy, Poland. Expected in France from September, this T03 is the first of a series of planned vehicles.
The arrival of Chinese electric car brands is profoundly transforming the global automotive industry, forcing traditional manufacturers to reinvent themselves. While Volkswagen is partnering with Xpeng, Stellantis – which includes brands like Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat – surprises by partnering with Leapmotor, an almost unknown start-up. Their goal is to market Leapmotor models in Europe.
Place of production and costs
There were rumors about using the Fiat factory in Tychy to assemble the T03. According to Reuters, production started in mid-June, with a ramp-up planned for September. Producing in Poland, with an estimated cost between 400 and 500 euros per car, is similar to that of China, and about half as expensive as in Italy, which would allow for competitive selling prices.
Advantages of European production
Producing in Europe would bypass the customs penalties proposed by the European Commission for electric cars imported from China. Additionally, this location could make the vehicles eligible for the ecological bonus in France. These Leapmotors would thus become the first Chinese cars assembled in Europe, a significant advance since only BYD currently has a factory in Hungary, dedicated to electric buses.
The beginning of an extended range
The T03 will be one of the two electric cars available from the start of the school year, accompanied by the C10 SUV, which will be imported from China. Four other models are planned by 2027, including a second SUV, provisionally named “A12”, which could be assembled in Tychy from early 2025. Leapmotor vehicles will be distributed by the Stellantis network, and it will be interesting to see how they will position themselves relative to the group’s current electric models, such as the Peugeot E-3008, the Citroën ë-C3, and the Fiat 500e.
