Stellantis and its Chinese partner Leapmotor have decided not to produce the second electric car model planned in Poland as initially planned. Instead, they plan to produce the B10 model at other sites within the Stellantis Group, including the Eisenach factory in Germany or the Trnava factory in Slovakia. This is what emerges from inside information reported by Reuters. Stellantis and Leapmotor themselves have not made public comments on these plans.
The production change comes against the backdrop of an indication from the Chinese government that Chinese automakers expected to cut major investments in European countries who support tariffs on Chinese electric cars. The instruction was given during a meeting with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on October 10. A few days later, on October 14, Stellantis and Leapmotor presented the new B10 model at the Paris Motor Showemphasizing that this was an important step in their cooperation.
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Poland is among ten EU countries that have supported additional customs duties of up to 45% on electric cars imported from China. On the other hand, Germany and Slovakia opposed these customs duties, while twelve other EU countries abstained from voting. It is not yet clear whether the planned relocation of production is solely due to political pressure from China or whether other factors play a role. The Stellantis factory in Tychy, Polandcurrently manufactures the T03 electric car with components from China. It has not yet been clarified whether this production is also under discussion and what the consequences for employment could be. According to an insider, a relocation to Germany would result in higher costs in terms of energy and labor.
Leapmotor plans to offer the B10 as the first model in a new series aimed specifically at markets outside China, including Europe. Sales in Europe already started in September. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares sees the partnership with Leapmotor and the B10 as an opportunity to offer electric cars « quality and affordable » outside of China. Stellantis owns 51 percent of the joint venture with Leapmotor, with the remaining 49 percent held by Leapmotor International.
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Future prospects and challenges of the EV market
The abandonment of the production project in Poland opens the way to new questions about the future prospects of Stellantis, Leapmotor and, more broadly, the electric vehicle market. The absence of this second site is forcing the two players to rethink their European expansion strategy, particularly in terms of battery supply, logistics costs and local production. This is a pivotal moment to reassess the priorities and investments needed to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding environment.
Changing demand for electric vehicles, new environmental regulations and global economic uncertainties are all challenges that manufacturers will have to overcome. However, these same constraints can also offer opportunities: strengthened collaborations with local partners, innovations in battery production or development of new models adapted to the expectations of European consumers.
The German and Slovak governments as well as Opel have so far not responded to inquiries about this development. Chinese companies must also obtain approval from the Beijing government for their projects abroad, which could further influence the decision-making process.
