Stellantis, the global automotive manufacturing corporation, has unveiled an electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Malaysia. This launch, announced on Wednesday, marks the debut of Stellantis’ partnership with Chinese automaker Leapmotor in the region, as confirmed by Malaysia’s Trade Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
The introduction of Leapmotor’s C10 medium-sized SUV in Malaysia represents a significant milestone in Stellantis’ global expansion strategy. It comes as part of a groundbreaking joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. This partnership, known as Leapmotor International, grants Stellantis exclusive rights to manufacture, export, and sell Leapmotor products outside of China – a first-of-its-kind arrangement for a legacy Western automaker.
The joint venture, which announced its global expansion plans in May of this year, aims to target EV sales across multiple regions, including Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The choice of Malaysia as one of the initial markets for this expansion is strategic, given the country’s ambitious plans to become a regional hub for EV production and supply chain operations.
Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, highlighted the significance of this launch at the event. According to the text of his speech made available to the media, the minister emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to developing its EV industry. The country has set an ambitious target of having electric vehicles and hybrids account for 20% of new car sales by 2030.
The minister also noted the impressive growth in Malaysia’s EV market, reporting a substantial 112% increase in the sale of battery-electric vehicles during the first half of the year. This rapid growth underscores the potential that Stellantis and Leapmotor see in the Malaysian market and, by extension, in the broader Southeast Asian region.
The launch of the Leapmotor C10 in Malaysia is more than just a new product introduction; it represents a significant shift in the global automotive landscape. As traditional automakers like Stellantis seek to expand their EV offerings and reach new markets, partnerships with Chinese EV manufacturers like Leapmotor are becoming increasingly strategic. These collaborations allow Western automakers to leverage the advanced EV technology and production capabilities of Chinese firms, while providing Chinese brands with access to global markets and distribution networks.
For Leapmotor, this partnership with Stellantis offers a unique opportunity to expand beyond the highly competitive Chinese market. By leveraging Stellantis’ global presence and expertise in international markets, Leapmotor can potentially accelerate its growth and establish itself as a global EV brand.
The choice of the C10 SUV for the Malaysian market is also noteworthy. SUVs continue to be popular among consumers worldwide, and offering an electric option in this segment could help drive EV adoption in Malaysia and the broader region. The success of this model could pave the way for the introduction of other Leapmotor vehicles in Southeast Asia under the Stellantis partnership.
This launch also aligns with broader trends in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are increasingly focusing on electrification and targeting growth markets in Asia. As developed markets like Europe and North America become increasingly saturated, regions like Southeast Asia, with their growing middle classes and increasing environmental awareness, represent significant opportunities for EV manufacturers.
The success of this venture in Malaysia could have far-reaching implications for both Stellantis and Leapmotor. If well-received, it could lead to further expansion across Southeast Asia, potentially including markets like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Moreover, the learnings from this market entry could inform Stellantis’ strategy for introducing Leapmotor products in other regions, such as Europe and South America.
As the automotive world watches this development closely, several key questions emerge: How will Malaysian consumers respond to the Leapmotor C10? Will Stellantis’ gamble on a Chinese EV partner pay off in international markets? And how will competitors, both traditional automakers and new EV entrants, react to this move?