Stellantis has stopped production of electric cars by Chinese company Leapmotor in Poland
Automotive group Stellantis has stopped production of its Chinese partner Leapmotor's T03 compact electric car and said it is considering alternative options for a plant in Poland.
Here's What We Know
In a statement, Stellantis said that assembly of the Leapmotor T03 at its Tychy plant ceased on 30 March. However, the company did not provide further details or specify whether production of the model could be shifted to another European plant.
Reuters reported, citing a source, that Stellantis and Leapmotor have no plans to resume production of the current version of the T03 in Europe for the time being. They intend to upgrade the T03 to the A-series models, which will be produced outside China from 2026, it added.
The Leapmotor T03 is equipped with a 37.3 kWh battery. Photo: Leapmotor
Last year, Stellantis and Leapmotor also abandoned plans to produce Leapmotor's second model, the B10 electric crossover, in Poland.
At the time, media reported that the decision came after the Chinese government privately demanded that the carmakers suspend major investments in European countries that supported the imposition of additional EU duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Poland was among the EU countries that supported the tariffs. Spain abstained from imposing the EU duties and received favourable conditions for the production of the Leapmotor B10 electric car.
Stellantis owns a 51 per cent stake in the Leapmotor International joint venture with its Chinese partner and has exclusive rights to export, sell and manufacture Leapmotor electric cars outside China.
Source: Reuters
