Stellantis Eyes Leapmotor Output in Mexico, Canada as U.S. Blocks Chinese-Branded Cars
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 22
Stellantis Eyes Leapmotor Output in Mexico, Canada as U.S. Blocks Chinese-Branded Cars
11 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 22
Antonio Filosa said Stellantis plans to expand Leapmotor vehicle production and sales into Mexico and potentially Canada, while ruling out the U.S. for now.
Stellantis is pursuing the move to fill underused plants, lift sales, learn from Leapmotor and spread capital costs through deeper partnerships in North America.
Canada offers a clearer opening: it allows 49,000 Chinese-made EV imports a year at a 6.1% tariff, and Stellantis has an idled Brampton, Ontario plant that stopped building Dodge Charger and Challenger models in December 2023.
The push builds on Stellantis' 51% Leapmotor joint venture formed in 2023, which holds exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor products outside greater China; Stellantis also owns 21% of Leapmotor.
In the U.S., Filosa said Stellantis still sees partnership opportunities only with non-Chinese brands, pointing to this week's newly announced collaboration talks with Jaguar Land Rover.
With one Leapmotor plan already rejected, what is the real future for Stellantis's idle Canadian plants?
Will cheap Leapmotor EVs boost Stellantis or just cannibalize its own iconic brands?
Can Stellantis's 'Made in Mexico' Chinese EVs successfully bypass steep U.S. tariffs?