Stellantis Launches Leapmotor EV Brand in Malaysia

Stellantis has launched the Leapmotor C10, an all-electric SUV, in Malaysia, marking the brand's debut in Southeast Asia through a joint venture that grants Stellantis exclusive rights for manufacturing and selling Leapmotor vehicles outside China. The introduction aligns with Malaysia's ambitious goal of having EVs and hybrids make up 20% of new car sales by 2030, as the country aims to become a regional hub for EV production. In the first half of 2024, Malaysia saw a 112% increase in battery-electric vehicle sales, indicating a growing demand for EVs among consumers. Daniel Gonzalez, COO of Stellantis ASEAN, emphasized the company's commitment to local manufacturing and talent development in Malaysia. However, the launch faced a minor setback with a geographical error in the presentation, mislabeling Sabah as Sarawak. The Leapmotor C10 is priced at RM159,000, with an introductory offer of RM149,000 until the end of November 2024.