Stellantis Abandons EV Production Plans in Poland

Stellantis and its Chinese partner Leapmotor have decided not to produce their second electric vehicle (EV) model, the B10, at a plant in Poland due to pressure from the Chinese government, which advised automakers to halt major investments in EU countries that supported a new 45% tariff on Chinese EV imports. Instead, they are considering alternative locations in Eisenach, Germany, and Trnava, Slovakia for production. Poland, which supported the tariffs, may see its role in the partnership diminished as the B10 was aimed at markets outside China, particularly Europe. The shift to Germany and Slovakia could lead to higher production costs, but it may also provide a better foothold in Western European markets. The decision follows a meeting held by China's Ministry of Commerce on October 10, urging a reassessment of investment in supportive EU nations. Stellantis and Leapmotor have not confirmed the final production site for the B10.