Stellantis is in advanced discussions with Leapmotor to jointly develop an Opel-branded electric SUV based on Chinese technology, with production earmarked for Spain.
According to a Reuters report citing sources, the potential collaboration would see the vehicle manufactured at Stellantis’ Zaragoza facility in Spain.
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The arrangement is intended to reduce both development time and costs as the group recalibrates its electrification strategy following a $25bn writedown earlier this year.
The talks are also seen as part of Stellantis’ effort to reinforce its position in Europe amid rising competition from Chinese carmakers such as BYD, while improving utilisation at its European plants.
Stellantis already owns approximately a 20% stake in Leapmotor, acquired in 2023.
The two companies also formed Leapmotor International to oversee manufacturing and sales outside China.
The proposed Opel SUV is expected to be based on Leapmotor’s B10 compact SUV platform, which is also scheduled for production at the Zaragoza plant later this year.
If the project proceeds, production of the Opel model could begin in 2028, with annual output projected at around 50,000 units.
Under the proposed structure, Leapmotor would supply key technologies and components, including electrical and electronic systems, while Opel would handle exterior design.
Opel accounted for roughly 21% of Stellantis’ European sales in 2025, with Germany remaining its largest market.
While the company has scaled back parts of its EV roadmap, it continues to position electric vehicles as a core element of its European strategy.
Additional joint projects with Leapmotor, including smaller A-segment vehicles, are also under consideration.
A significant portion of development work is expected to take place in China.
According to the report, discussions on the project, internally known as O3U, began in late 2025 and could conclude as early as this month.
In a statement to the news agency, Stellantis said there was “regular engagement” with Leapmotor on expanding collaboration but declined to comment further.
Leapmotor confirmed it is in discussions with partners, including Stellantis, focused on supplying in-house components, while stating it has no plans for platform-level collaboration.
Separately, Stellantis is evaluating the use of Leapmotor technology for a next-generation Opel Mokka B SUV, including the possibility of relocating production to Spain.
Early-stage talks have also explored a potential Alfa Romeo model using the same architecture at the Zaragoza site.
