Leapmotor, FAW Partner for Hongqi EV Expansion, Begins 2026 Production

Leapmotor, a rising force in China's EV market, has entered a strategic alliance with state-owned FAW to develop an electric vehicle platform for Hongqi, with mass production for international markets set to begin in 2026. The partnership will leverage Leapmotor's B10 platform, which has seen rapid sales since its recent launch, to produce a new Hongqi SUV targeting regions such as Europe, the UK, Australia, and the Middle East. Leapmotor is also in talks with Ferrari for a similar platform collaboration, signaling its ambitions to expand globally and strengthen its technological reputation. Separately, Leapmotor and Stellantis have established a joint venture, Leapmotor International, granting Stellantis exclusive rights to export, sell, and manufacture Leapmotor vehicles outside Greater China, with Stellantis holding a controlling stake. As part of this venture, Leapmotor will begin assembling EVs, starting with the C10 SUV, at Stellantis’ Gurun plant in Malaysia by the end of 2025, aiming to serve the Southeast Asian market and reinforce Malaysia's role as a regional automotive hub. These moves highlight Leapmotor's strategy of leveraging global partnerships to accelerate its international expansion and technology adoption.