Stellantis and Leapmotor in Advanced Negotiations for Opel Electric SUV Collaboration
Global automotive giant Stellantis is engaged in advanced discussions with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor to jointly develop an Opel-branded electric SUV. According to three informed sources, this strategic partnership would leverage Leapmotor's cutting-edge technology and utilize production facilities at the Zaragoza plant in Spain.
Production Timeline and Volume Targets
Production of the Opel electric SUV is expected to commence in 2028, with an ambitious annual target of 50,000 vehicles. The model will share its fundamental architecture with Leapmotor's B10 compact SUV, which is also scheduled for assembly at the Zaragoza facility specifically for the European market.
Strategic Rationale for Stellantis
This proposed collaboration represents a calculated move by Stellantis to significantly reduce development costs and accelerate timelines as the company recalibrates its electrification strategy. The automotive group has recently shifted its focus toward hybrid vehicles and previously announced a substantial $25 billion writedown linked to scaling back its electric vehicle plans.
The partnership serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Countering growing competition from Chinese brands like BYD in the European market
- Improving utilization rates at regional manufacturing plants
- Maintaining electric vehicle presence in Europe despite moderated EV ambitions
Technical Collaboration Framework
Under the current discussions, Leapmotor would supply critical technologies and components, including sophisticated electronic and electrical systems, while Opel would take responsibility for exterior design elements. A significant portion of the development work is anticipated to occur in China, leveraging Leapmotor's technical expertise.
The project, internally codenamed O3U, began negotiations in late 2025, with sources indicating that a formal agreement could be reached as early as this month. When approached for comment, Stellantis acknowledged maintaining regular engagement with Leapmotor regarding expanded collaboration but declined to provide further specifics. Leapmotor confirmed being in talks with various partners, including Stellantis, primarily for component supply rather than platform-level collaboration, while refraining from commenting on the Opel project specifically.
Existing Partnership Foundation
The two companies established a foundation for collaboration in 2023 when Stellantis acquired approximately a 20 percent stake in Leapmotor and formed a joint venture called Leapmotor International. This entity was created to manage sales and production operations outside China, demonstrating the companies' existing commitment to mutual cooperation.
Last month, Leapmotor announced expectations to begin mass production in Spain starting October, with several projects involving Stellantis already in advanced stages of negotiation.
Broader Implications and Additional Projects
Separately, Stellantis is reportedly studying the potential use of Leapmotor's electric vehicle technology for the next-generation Opel Mokka B SUV. According to one source, production of this model could potentially shift from France to Spain, further consolidating manufacturing operations.
Opel represents a significant component of Stellantis' European portfolio, accounting for approximately 21 percent of the group's European sales in 2025, with Germany serving as its largest market.
The companies have also conducted preliminary discussions regarding:
- Developing an Alfa Romeo model based on the same architecture at the Zaragoza facility
- Creating additional small cars for the A-segment market, which would require separate production lines
While Stellantis has moderated its overall electric vehicle ambitions, electric vehicles remain an integral component of its European strategy. The Opel SUV project represents one of the most advanced among several ongoing discussions between Stellantis and Leapmotor, signaling continued commitment to electrification despite strategic adjustments.
