Confirmed! China’s Leapmotor to go on-sale in Australia in 2024 with C10 SUV
The Chinese electrified vehicle maker Leapmotor will launch in Australia in late 2024 as part of an international expansion backed by global auto giant Stellantis.
Tipped to price at or under stellar local Chinese success story BYD, Leapmotor is expected to launch here with the medium-sized C10 SUV, which will be a rival for the Tesla Model Y on size but not dollars.
Beyond that it has a variety of existing models it could add here quickly including the Mini-sized T03 electric car that has already been confirmed for European sale.
But it has also promised to launch at least one new model per year for international markets for at least the next three years.
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The ambition is to offer a sedan, an SUV and a cross-over MPV in multiple mainstream segments.
How many of them would come to Australia remains to be seen. It is also unclear if it would stick with BEVs or also offer hybrids, which Leapmotor also builds and sells in China.
EV Central understands local sales ambitions for the Stellantis-Leapmotor joint-venture – known as Leapmotor International – are significant.
In Australia Stellantis itself currently sells Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep. Meanwhile Citroen, Peugeot and RAM trucks are sold through other distributors.
Leapmotor franchises will be offered to existing members of the Australian Stellantis dealer network.
They have been hit in recent years by the downturn in Jeep sales and the loss of the poor performing Chrysler and Dodge brands. They would no doubt welcome the opportunity presented by an affordable Chinese electric brand.
At a press conference in China tonight, Leapmotor International confirmed it would launch its export campaign in nine European countries by September with the C10 and the T03.
Before the end of the year it will also launch into South America, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific with Australia and New Zealand leading the way.
The announcements came immediately after the receipt of all authorisations to establish Leapmotor International B.V., a 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture headquartered in Amsterdam.
“We will soon be able to offer our customers price competitive and tech-centric electric vehicles that will exceed their expectations,” promised Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares
Added Leapmotor Founder, Chairman and CEO Jiangming Zhu: “Leveraging Leapmotor’s cutting-edge technology and products, along with Stellantis’ support in areas such as overseas channels, services, and marketing, we hope that users around the world can experience the exceptional driving and riding experience brought by Leapmotor products.”
Leapmotor, established in 2015, is the latest Chinese brand to confirm an Australia launch, following on from Xpeng, GAC/Aion and Zeekr in recent days and weeks. More are expected to emerge soon.
The C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product based on its self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture. It features a central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology and an intelligent cockpit. It boasts a 420 km WLTP range, and a five-star E-NCAP rating.
The five-seat SUV measures up at 4739mm long, 1900mm wide and 1680mm high with a 2825mm wheelbase. It’s slightly shorter, narrower and taller than a Tesla Model Y and has a 65mm shorter wheelbase.
The Leapmotor T03 is a small five-door commuter car. It has a 265 km WLTP range.
Other models sold by Leapmotor in China include the C01 sedan, the C11 SUV and the brand new large C16 SUV.
