14:02 08-04-2026

New Opel electric crossover to be developed with Leapmotor for 2028 launch

Stellantis partners with Leapmotor to create an electric Opel crossover, produced in Spain by 2028, leveraging Chinese tech for cost savings and faster development.

Stellantis is in advanced talks with Chinese automaker Leapmotor to develop a new electric crossover under the Opel brand. The model is slated for production in Spain by 2028, with an annual volume of around 50,000 units. This move is significant because the conglomerate aims to drastically cut costs and development timelines by leveraging Chinese technology.

Joint Development and Production Shift

The new Opel will be based on Leapmotor's platform, likely sharing it with the B10 crossover, which will also be assembled in Spain. Production will take place at the Zaragoza plant, allowing Stellantis to optimize the utilization of its European facilities. Key components, including electronics and electrical architecture, will be supplied by the Chinese partner.

Opel will handle body design and adaptation for the European market, while a substantial portion of the development will be centered in China. The project already has an internal code, O3U, and a final agreement could be signed soon. This collaboration format reflects a new industry model where European brands increasingly rely on Chinese technology.

Platform Technology and Strategy

Using Leapmotor's architecture accelerates the model's market launch and reduces development investments. The platform is already proven on production vehicles, which lowers technical risks and shortens the car's creation cycle. This is especially important amid intensifying competition in Europe's electric car segment.

Additionally, Stellantis is considering other models on the same base, including Alfa Romeo vehicles and compact urban EVs. This approach would scale the technology and lower costs through standardization. In the long run, it could become a key strategy for the conglomerate's mass-market electric vehicles.

Market Impact and Partnership Significance

The deal with Leapmotor is part of Stellantis's broader strategy to integrate Chinese technology, initiated after a €1.5 billion investment in 2023. Since then, Leapmotor has actively expanded its presence in international markets using Stellantis's dealer network. The company already achieved sales of around 600,000 vehicles in 2025 and is targeting 1 million in 2026.

For Europe, this means heightened competition and faster rollout of affordable electric cars. For Stellantis, it's a chance to close the gap with Chinese and American manufacturers in the EV segment. For Russia and other markets, it's indirectly important because such platforms could form the basis for future global models.

Stellantis is betting on speed and cost reduction by integrating Chinese technology into European brands. The new Opel will be one of the first examples of deep cooperation with Leapmotor. As a result, the market will get more accessible electric cars, but with a shifted balance of influence among manufacturers.