Leapmotor to start local assembly in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: The local assembly of Leapmotor vehicles in Malaysia will start with an investment of five million euros (RM25mil), and will be based at Stellantis’ existing plant in Gurun, Kedah.

“This milestone marks more than the start of local assembly — it marks the next chapter in Stellantis’ electrification journey across Asean," said Stellantis India and Asia Pacific chief operating officer Ashwani Muppasani at a media event at M World Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

"By combining Leapmotor’s electric vehicle (EV) innovation and success with Stellantis’ regional expertise and global scale, we are laying the foundation for an accessible, sustainable future of mobility right here in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia,” he added.

Production of the locally assembled Leapmotor models, starting with the C10, is set to start by end-2025.

In a statement, Stellantis said, "This initiative reinforces our commitment to regional growth, with the India and Asia Pacific regions identified as one of the company’s key growth drivers under its Dare Forward 2030 strategy."

The group also pointed out that the collaboration is expected to stimulate industrial growth, support technology transfer, and further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and China.

Also present was Leapmotor founder, chairman and CEO Zhu Jiangming who said, "The local assembly project in Malaysia will accelerate Leapmotor's global strategic expansion. We look forward to working with Stellantis Group to set a benchmark and model for opening up the entire Southeast Asian market for Leapmotor."

Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin added, "Leapmotor International's brand promise is 'Excellence Within Reach.' This is not just a slogan — it reflects Leapmotor’s commitment to offering consumers 'technology for all, high quality at an affordable price."

Stellantis Asean managing director Isaac Yeo pointed out that the Gurun plant has become a cornerstone of Stellantis’ manufacturing presence in the region.

"We have proactively enhanced its capabilities to support electric vehicle (EV) assembly, and we are proud that Leapmotor will be the first locally assembled EV to emerge from this plant,” said Yeo.