While the group is about to begin marketing the Leapmotor T03 in France, the first importer of the brand has decided to file a complaint. We explain everything to you here!
Would the huge automobile group Stellantis see its plans somewhat upset? Indeed, while Stellantis is preparing to launch the small electric city car T03 under the Leapmotor brand, the first importer in France of the T03 has decided to file a complaint in court concerning the termination of his contract importer.
Didier Sirgue, general manager of SN Diffusion and EVE (Espace Véhicules Électrique), published an open letter in which he denounces the way whose importer contract was terminated on May 1, 2024.
Among our colleagues at Automobile JournalDidier Sirgue, declares: “My importer contract ran until January 15, 2025. On May 1, 2024, the contract was terminated with immediate effect, without me being previously informed of such a decision.”.
In this open letter, Didier Sirgue recalled that he was the only one in Europe, since February 2021, to have signed a import contract with the Chinese manufacturer. A contract which therefore had to run until January 15, 2025.
Legal proceedings in progress ?
A few years ago, when the marketing date arrived for the small electric car from Leapmotor, Didier Sirgue set up a network of distributors. The latter then indicates in his open letter that it’s October 2023date on which the Stellantis group buy 21% of Leapmotor, that the first “dysfunctions” in the relations between Leapmotor and the importer appear. It was only subsequently, after the creation of Leapmotor International (a company 51% owned by Stellantis and 49% by Leapmotor), that Didier Sirgue received the termination of his import contract. Didier Sirgue remains, to date, without response from Stellantis and Leapmotor.
In the meantime, Stellantis will launch the marketing of two models from Leapmotor, namely the T03 microcity car and the C10 electric SUV.
To do this, Stellantis will rely on its immense network of dealers in France to sell cars from Leapmotor International. Concerning the T03, its price will be €18,900.
To be continued…
