European automotive manufacturing gained a new Chinese-developed electric SUV on October 16, 2026, when Stellantis and Leapmotor officially commenced B10 production at the Zaragoza plant in Spain. The launch advances their ongoing industrial partnership, bringing vehicle manufacturing closer to European customers and significantly expanding Leapmotor’s footprint in the regional electric vehicle market.
According to announcements from both Stellantis and Leapmotor, the Zaragoza facility was selected for its proven manufacturing expertise, available production capacity, and established quality standards. The compact electric SUV now joins the Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, and Lancia Ypsilon on the plant’s active production lineup, serving as a cornerstone for Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 strategy.
Localization Efforts and Battery Assembly in Mallén
Industry reports from Gasgoo indicate that the companies adapted existing assembly lines and established a dedicated, localized battery assembly facility nearby in Mallén, Spain. This complementary facility handles battery module assembly and related thermal and electrical integration processes, extending the partnership’s regional localization efforts far beyond basic vehicle assembly.
Silvia Vernetti, speaking on behalf of Stellantis during the official event, emphasized the industrial nature of the transition. “The electric transition must also be an industrial transition,” Vernetti stated. “If our partnership is the strategy, Zaragoza is the proof that we can combine global technology, competitiveness and European industrial capabilities.”
Strategic International Expansion for Leapmotor
For Leapmotor, building the B10 in Spain represents a vital milestone in its internationalization strategy, where Europe remains a central pillar of its global growth plan. Zhu Jiangming, Founder and President of Leapmotor, noted that while the brand’s roots remain in China, its ambitions are global. Producing vehicles directly in Zaragoza allows the company to bring its proprietary EV technology closer to European markets and buyers.
The formal launch event drew a high-level institutional delegation led by Aragon’s regional President Jorge Azcón and Spain’s Secretary of State for Industry Jordi García Brustenga. Their presence underscored the project’s vital importance for the Spanish manufacturing sector and for positioning the Aragon region as a strategic hub in the automotive industry’s ongoing electrification transformation.
Market Context and Future Production Plans
Market data highlights the rapid growth driving this industrial partnership. Leapmotor registered 73,297 cars across the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, and Britain between January and August, representing a 449.9% increase from the previous year and capturing a 0.8% market share according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
While neither company disclosed exact annual capacity or volume targets during the October announcement, the Zaragoza plant historically holds an initial capacity of around 40,000 cars a year. Leapmotor Global Quality Director Ding Yongfei previously indicated that additional models-including the B05, A10, and A05-are scheduled to follow at the Zaragoza facility in 2027, paving the way for a deeper integration of Chinese innovation and European manufacturing might.
Key Milestones of the Stellantis-Leapmotor Partnership
- October 2023: Stellantis becomes Leapmotor’s largest shareholder with an initial stake of approximately 21%.
- May 2026: Stellantis outlines intentions to evaluate B10 production in Zaragoza and explores future C-segment EV lines.
- October 16, 2026: Official ceremonial start of Leapmotor B10 production at the Zaragoza plant in Spain.
- 2027 Outlook: Planned introduction of additional Leapmotor vehicle models, including the B05 and A-series vehicles, at Spanish manufacturing hubs.
