Everything suggests that international relations now influence the strategy of the Franco-Italian-American group. Already criticized by the Italian government of Giorgia Meloni and recently attacked by the future American president Donald Trump, Stellantis now finds itself confronted with China's influence on the location of its factories.
Became exclusive importer of Chinese Leap motor since the spring, Stellantis had initially chosen Poland to assemble the T03 in the form of kits. The 100% electric city car became, in September, the first model distributed in Europe by the joint venture.
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A consequence of customs duties
Presented by some as a masterstroke by Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, and by others as a way of bringing the wolf into the fold, the strategy of importing Leapmotor to the Old Continent now comes up against directives from Beijing .
The Chinese authorities did not appreciate the increase in customs duties decided by Brussels against electric cars produced in China, the rate of which can reach up to 45.3%. This decision by the European Union follows the direct and indirect subsidies received by Chinese manufacturers. The establishment of these customs barriers has sparked divisions among EU member states, as well as among European manufacturers. It is also important to note that the United States and Canada have imposed a significant increase in tariffs on Chinese vehicles, reaching up to 100%.
Germany and Slovakia ready to welcome Leapmotor
Faced with European protectionism, Beijing would have asked its manufacturers to no longer invest in countries favorable to such a measureaccording to Reuters. Poland could therefore pay the price for this policywhether Chinese or European, depending on your point of view. Germany and Slovakia, for their part, having refrained from taking such measures, escaped retaliation from Beijing.
Looking for an alternative assembly site, Stellantis and its Chinese ally have reportedly decided to turn to Eisenach, Germanywhere the Opel Grandland is produced in particular. The factory in Trnava, Slovakia, which already assembles the new Citroën ë-C3, would also be considered for the production of the B10 electric SUV of Leapmotor, its competitive production costs pleading in its favor. For the Chinese manufacturer, the challenge of assembly in Europe is to circumvent customs duties imposed on vehicles produced in China.
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A first episode of the trade war with Europe
The model presented at the last Paris Motor Show has a strategic dimension. It aims to mark the acceleration of the alliance between Stellantis and Leapmotor on the European continent.
If the firm's decision were to be confirmed (without knowing whether it would also impact the assembly of the T03), it would undoubtedly mark the first episode of the commercial battle which is looming between China and Europe.
