GaadiWaadi –
After Europe, Southeast Asia, and other international markets, India Stellantis’ next stop for its new Leapmotor brand’s global expansion
After confirming Leapmotor’s India launch in a global announcement in May 2024, Stellantis reaffirmed its arrival in a local announcement in April this year. Now, the company has shared some new details about its plans for the Chinese brand for our market.
During a recent interaction with ET Auto, Shailesh Hazela, CEO & MD, Stellantis (India), said that the company will launch the first Leapmotor model in our market in the next financial year, meaning somewhere between April 2026 and March 2027. Speaking further, he revealed that the company is considering a B-segment model and an entry C-segment model for its first product.
Hazela’s comment on the product strategy indicates that the company is exploring the B10 C-segment SUV for our market. Yesterday, the company announced the B05, a C-segment hatchback, at the 2025 Munich Motor Show. However, considering the significantly higher popularity of the SUV body style in India, especially in pricey segments, along with the poor road conditions, we are confident it will view the C10 as the optimal choice.
Also Read: Volkswagen ID. CROSS Concept Debuts – A Compact Electric SUV
The Leapmotor B10 is 4,515 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, and 1,655 mm tall and has a 2,735-mm wheelbase. In the UK, Stellantis offers it with a 215 hp/240 Nm motor and a choice of 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh battery packs, which deliver a WLTP range of 361 km and 434 km, respectively.
Stellantis does not have a B-segment hatchback in the Leapmotor line-up currently. Chances are Hazela was referring to the T03, an A-segment hatchback measuring 3,620 mm in length, 1,652 mm in width, and 1,577 mm in height, with a 2,400-mm wheelbase. In the UK, the company offers it with a 94 hp/158 Nm motor and a 37.3 kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of 265 km.
Also Read: Hyundai Ioniq Concept Three Breaks Cover At IAA 2025
Internationally, especially in Europe, Leapmotor is a basic, low-cost brand. In India, Stellantis aims to position the Chinese brand differently, targeting premium EV customers. The company has not announced any plans to locally manufacture Leapmotor models, which could mean, at best, it will import their CKD kits and only assemble them here. This route would drive up costs, leaving Stellantis little choice but to market them as premium products.
Stellantis does not plan to offer Leapmotor models in India through separate dealerships, which indicates it does not expect big volumes, at least not initially. The company will sell these cars through its multi-brand showrooms that already house Jeep and Citroen models. Hazela said that it has already converted 50% of its retail outlets to multi-brand ones and all its showrooms and service centres can handle EVs as well. The company is looking at expanding its dealer network from 110 to 150 outlets over the next six months, though.
The post Stellantis To Launch First Leapmotor EV In India appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Team GaadiWaadi.
