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Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that is a 51% joint venture with Stellantis, is making a strong presence in the Australian market. Despite being in operation for only a few years and arriving in Australia at the end of 2024, Leapmotor has already impressed with its sales figures for the first quarter of 2025. The company has sold 138 units of its C10 SUV, surpassing Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep, while all three of these established brands sold fewer units – 119, 118, and 529, respectively.
Leapmotor’s success is largely attributed to its only model available in Australia, the C10 SUV, which has a starting price of $43,888. The company’s lineup is set to expand with the upcoming launch of the REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) version of the C10, which will feature a longer range and a lower price tag of $2,000 less than the current model. This will further intensify the competition in the mid-range electric SUV segment.
Leapmotor’s rapid growth has sparked attention within the Stellantis galaxy, which comprises several brands including Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep, and Opel. In contrast to some of these brands, which are facing challenges in Australia or are managed by external importers, Leapmotor is a joint venture that is well-funded and positioned to make waves in the market. Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin has stated that while the company doesn’t aspire to be the top-selling brand within the Stellantis group, it aims to become one of the top three full electric Chinese brands in every market it operates in.
Leapmotor’s appeal to many lies in its affordable and feature-rich electric vehicles, which cater to a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. As the company continues to expand its product lineup and geographic reach, it is likely to further disrupt the balance within the Stellantis galaxy and challenge established brands in the electric vehicle market.