Stellantis is set to expand its presence in the South African automotive sector with the introduction of Leapmotor brand EVs.
The upcoming launch of the Leapmotor brand in South Africa follows the company's establishment in Mauritius.
Initially, the C10 REEV will be available at selected Stellantis dealers from this September. Additional models are expected to be launched in 2026.
Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, claims to have become the second-largest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Stellantis managing director Mike Whitfield said that more than 60% of the South African market is concentrated below the R400,000 ($22,721) price point.
In response, the company has been focusing on offering products that meet customer needs, such as the Citroën C3 range and the new Hola panel van.
Whitfield said: “To better leverage the strength of each brand, we will be amalgamating all finance partnerships under a single, comprehensive agreement between WesBank and Stellantis.
"South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis, and we are fully committed to unlocking its potential — through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships.”
In 2023, Stellantis invested €1.5bn ($1.75bn) in a 20% stake in Leapmotor. The joint venture (JV), Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake, has recently announced a 10% price reduction on its all-electric car prices in the UK market, anticipating the UK government's new BEV grants.
Moreover, Stellantis signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2023 with South African government ministers to establish a manufacturing plant in the country.
