Dutch automaker Stellantis and Chinese EV maker Leapmotor have taken a key step in advancing regional electrification by launching a local assembly of Leapmotor vehicles in Malaysia, marking the brand’s official entry into local production.
In a joint statement last Friday, the companies announced that the initiative will be based at Stellantis’ existing facility in Gurun, Kedah, with an initial investment of €5 million (US$5.75 million).
This strategic move positions Malaysia as a key player in EV industrialization within the ASEAN region. It highlights Stellantis’ dedication to advancing sustainable mobility through its partnership with Leapmotor, a rapidly growing New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand from China.
The initiative also underscores Stellantis’ focus on regional expansion, with the India and Asia Pacific (IAP) region identified as a significant growth engine under its Dare Forward 2030 strategy.
With the introduction of Leapmotor’s advanced and affordable EVs, Stellantis is reinforcing its electrification strategy while delivering high-tech mobility solutions to Southeast Asia.
“This milestone is more than just the start of local assembly—it marks a new chapter in Stellantis’ electrification journey across ASEAN,” said Ashwani Muppasani, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis India & Asia Pacific.
“By combining Leapmotor’s innovation in electric vehicles with Stellantis’ regional expertise and global reach, we’re laying the groundwork for a more accessible and sustainable mobility future in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.”
According to the statement, the local assembly of Leapmotor vehicles will be based at Stellantis’ facility in Gurun, Kedah.
For its strategic location and well-developed automotive ecosystem, Gurun is a regional hub supporting efficient production scaling and smooth distribution across neighboring ASEAN markets—aligning with Stellantis’ ‘Built-in ASEAN for ASEAN’ strategy.
“The Gurun plant has become a key pillar of Stellantis’ manufacturing footprint in the region,” the statement added.
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