Leapmotor Secures Own Car Transporter for European Delivery of 2,500 Electric Vehicles in Inaugural Journey
Leapmotor, a Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer, has embarked on an ambitious international expansion journey. The company began overseas sales in 2024, offering models such as the T03 compact EV and the C10 mid-size SUV.
A significant milestone in this expansion was the partnership and joint venture with Stellantis in 2023. Stellantis acquired approximately 20% of Leapmotor for €1.5 billion and established Leapmotor International, where Stellantis holds a 51% stake. This joint venture grants Stellantis exclusive rights to sell, export, and manufacture Leapmotor products outside China. This strategic partnership positions Leapmotor as a key player for Stellantis in global markets, including Southeast Asia, where Stellantis Malaysia is focusing on Leapmotor as its volume brand.
In August 2025, Leapmotor secured a car carrier from the Grimaldi Group for its international expansion. The car carrier, named "Grande Tianjin," is built specifically for car transportation and will carry over 2,500 Leapmotor EVs to Europe on its maiden voyage. Grimaldi provides Leapmotor with stable transport capacity of up to 22,500 vehicle slots per month from Asia to Europe.
The B10 compact electric SUV, Leapmotor's first global model in its B series and built based on global standards, is set to launch in overseas markets in September. The company's business operates in more than 30 countries and regions, and it has over 1,500 sales and service outlets worldwide.
Leapmotor's cumulative deliveries have exceeded 800,000 units, and the company continues to expand strategically. SAIC Motor operates China's largest car carrier fleet, with its Anji Logistics division operating a fleet of 37 vessels. However, Leapmotor, being the latest Chinese automaker to have its own dedicated car carrier, although it is leased from another shipowner, marks a significant step in its export logistics.
In addition, a report suggests that Leapmotor begins supplying battery packs to some commercial NEV makers, further solidifying its position in the global automotive market. Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA) has invested $1.7 billion to acquire about 20 percent equity in Leapmotor, making it the largest external shareholder. The T03 compact EV and the C10 mid-size SUV, the current overseas models offered by Leapmotor, are available in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants.
As Leapmotor continues to expand, it joins the ranks of other Chinese automakers such as BYD, which has assembled its own car carrier fleet over the past two years, currently comprising seven vessels. The future looks bright for Leapmotor as it navigates the global automotive landscape.
- Leapmotor, a Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer, initiated international expansion in 2024, offering electric vehicles like the T03 compact EV and the C10 mid-size SUV in foreign markets.
- In 2023, a significant event occurred when Leapmotor partnered with Stellantis, resulting in the formation of Leapmotor International, where Stellantis holds a 51% stake.
- Stellantis granted Leapmotor exclusive rights for sales, exports, and manufacturing of its products outside China, positioning Leapmotor as a key player for Stellantis in global markets.
- In August 2025, Leapmotor secured a car carrier from the Grimaldi Group for international transportation, named "Grande Tianjin," which carries over 2,500 Leapmotor EVs to Europe on its maiden voyage.
- The B10 compact electric SUV, Leapmotor's first global model, is set to launch in overseas markets in September, with business operations in more than 30 countries and regions.
- Leapmotor's cumulative deliveries have surpassed 800,000 units, and the company continues to expand strategically, leveraging partnerships and investments to support its growth in the global market.
- In addition to producing electric vehicles, Leapmotor begins supplying battery packs to some commercial NEV makers, further solidifying its position within the automotive industry.
- Joining the ranks of other Chinese automakers like BYD, Leapmotor, having assembled its own car carrier, marks a significant step in its export logistics as it navigates the competitive global automotive landscape.
