Stellantis South Africa has confirmed that Chinese automaker Leapmotor will make its local debut in October.
This will mark the brand’s first appearance in the country.
The move is part of Stellantis’ global strategy to expand its range of electric and new energy vehicles, as the auto giant accelerates its transition toward cleaner mobility.
Leapmotor to launch in SA
Stellantis SA, which holds a 20% stake in Leapmotor, will handle local distribution through its established dealership network.
The company was formed in 2021 after the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France’s PSA Group, and oversees brands including Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Leapmotor will become Stellantis’ first fully electric brand in the South African market.
“South Africa is a key market for Stellantis, and the launch of Leapmotor marks an important step in offering innovative vehicle options through product, innovation and partnerships,” Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis South Africa, said, as per BusinessTech.
Founded in China in 2015 by entrepreneur Jiangming Zhu, Leapmotor sold its first cars in 2019 and has since delivered over 600 000 vehicles worldwide.
Leapmotor’s technology focus is on range-extended electric vehicles (REEV), which are cars powered by an electric drivetrain, supported by a small petrol engine that works only to recharge the battery. The engine never drives the wheels, allowing the car to operate as a pure electric vehicle while addressing the limited charging infrastructure that continues to hinder EV adoption in South Africa.
“In South Africa, where energy challenges and limited charging infrastructure slow EV adoption, REEV offers a practical solution,” Stellantis said in a statement.
The first model set for local sale is the Leapmotor C10, a midsize electric SUV that will compete in the same space as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, as well as the Ford Territory.