Leapmotor B10 Production Starts in Spain as A05 Debuts

Leapmotor Begins B10 SUV Production in Spain as A05 Debuts in Europe

Leapmotor has started production of its B10 compact SUV at the Zaragoza plant in Spain while introducing the A05 to European audiences at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The developments mark another step in the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer's efforts to expand its European operations through local manufacturing and a broader model lineup. The company, backed by Stellantis NV, presented the announcements through a joint appearance by Leapmotor founder Zhu Jiangming and Leapmotor International CEO Danilo Annese. The Zaragoza facility combines Stellantis' manufacturing infrastructure with Leapmotor's vehicle portfolio to produce models for European customers. Leapmotor describes the production milestone as part of its "in Europe, for Europe" localization strategy.

Zaragoza Plant Advances Leapmotor's European Localization Strategy

The Zaragoza facility was jointly developed by Stellantis and Leapmotor and uses Stellantis' existing manufacturing infrastructure to build vehicles intended specifically for the European market. Starting B10 production represents Leapmotor's second attempt to establish local vehicle manufacturing in Europe. The company previously began producing its T03 small electric vehicle at a Stellantis plant in Poland in 2024, but Stellantis ended that project on March 30, 2025. Chinese media had reported in August 2025 that B10 production in Zaragoza was scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026, followed by the B05. The official production announcement came somewhat later than that previously reported schedule.

Stellantis Expands Its Manufacturing Cooperation With Leapmotor

The partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor extends beyond the B10 production launch. On May 8, 2026, Stellantis announced an expanded partnership that included plans to add a production line at the Zaragoza plant for a new Opel C-segment electric SUV scheduled to enter production in 2028. The arrangement also includes plans to transfer ownership of Stellantis' Villaverde plant in Madrid to the Spanish subsidiary of Leapmotor International. These developments indicate that the companies are planning additional manufacturing activity in Spain alongside the existing B10 program. The announced plans establish a broader industrial context for their cooperation, although the Opel model's production start remains scheduled for 2028.

Leapmotor B10 Builds on Its Existing China and Europe Launches

The B10 is the first global model in Leapmotor's B series. It went on sale in China in April 2025 before making its European market launch at IAA Mobility in September 2025. An updated version subsequently launched in China in July 2026, with a starting price of 99,800 yuan, equivalent to approximately $14,830 in the source report. Production at Zaragoza adds a European manufacturing location to the model's development and market rollout. The announcement does not provide European pricing for the Spanish-built vehicle or specify whether its regional specification differs from the versions sold in China. The confirmed development is the beginning of production at the Spanish facility.

Leapmotor A05 Makes Its European Debut at Paris Motor Show

Leapmotor also unveiled the A05 to European audiences at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, expanding the range of models it is presenting outside China. The vehicle is known internationally as the B03 and was launched in China on August 11, 2026. It measures 4,200 millimeters in length and has a wheelbase of 2,605 millimeters. Although classified as a sedan in China, its body style is effectively that of a compact hatchback. Leapmotor has not announced a European launch date or pricing for the A05. Its debut therefore confirms the company's intention to showcase the model in Europe, but does not establish when customer sales will begin.

A05 Battery Options, Driving Range, and Cockpit Technology

The A05 is offered in China with two battery-pack options: 39.8 kWh and 53 kWh. The corresponding CLTC-rated driving ranges are 405 kilometers and 510 kilometers, respectively. Qualcomm's 8295 chip is standard across the lineup, providing a common cockpit-computing component for the model's versions. The A05 is the second vehicle built on Leapmotor's A platform, following the A10, which uses the B03X name in global markets. In China, the A05 competes with models including the BYD Dolphin and Geely Auto Xingyuan. Although the European debut broadens its international exposure, specifications, range ratings, and pricing for a European-market version have not been announced in the supplied information.

Flagship D19 SUV Showcases Range-Extender and Vehicle Architecture

The D19 flagship SUV was also displayed at the Paris Motor Show, highlighting additional technologies in Leapmotor's vehicle portfolio. The model features the company's latest range-extender technology and a cell-to-body architecture. Leapmotor describes the vehicle as combining long-distance driving capability with fast charging, while also showcasing developments in smart cockpits and vehicle architecture. Its presence at the event added another vehicle to the company's European exhibition alongside the B10 and A05. The available announcement does not provide the D19's European launch schedule, pricing, battery specifications, or detailed performance figures. Its appearance at the show therefore demonstrates a technology and product presentation rather than confirmation of a European sales launch.

Largest European Exhibition and Expanded Public Charging Access

The 2026 Paris Motor Show marked Leapmotor's largest exhibition in Europe to date. The company occupied a 500-square-meter booth and presented its most comprehensive model lineup at the event, having first participated in the Paris Motor Show in 2024. Leapmotor also announced that its owners can access Stellantis' Free2move Charge ecosystem, which provides access to more than one million public charging points across Europe. This charging access expands the services available to owners beyond the vehicles themselves. The announcement does not specify individual charging prices, network coverage by country, or any additional subscription conditions. The confirmed development is access to the charging ecosystem and its stated network of public charging points.

Stellantis Investment Supports Leapmotor's International Expansion

Stellantis invested €1.5 billion in Leapmotor in October 2023 to acquire approximately 20% of the Chinese automaker, becoming its largest outside shareholder. The companies subsequently established Leapmotor International, a joint venture in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. The venture has exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor products outside Greater China. This structure provides the framework for the companies' international commercial and manufacturing cooperation, including the Spanish production initiative. The Zaragoza launch, A05 European debut, and Free2move Charge access announcement demonstrate several dimensions of that cooperation. Together, these developments support Leapmotor's stated focus on overseas expansion, although the individual commercial contribution of each initiative has not been specified.

Leapmotor Deliveries Rise as Overseas Expansion Accelerates

International expansion forms a central part of Leapmotor's effort to achieve its 2026 delivery target of one million vehicles. The company delivered a record 105,656 vehicles in September 2026, exceeding 100,000 deliveries for the third consecutive month. During the first nine months of 2026, deliveries reached 666,539 vehicles, an increase of 68.52% compared with the same period a year earlier. That nine-month total also surpassed the company's full-year 2025 deliveries of 596,555 vehicles. The figures indicate strong year-over-year growth in reported deliveries, while the one-million-vehicle figure remains a target rather than an achieved result. The Spanish production program forms part of the company's wider effort to expand its international business.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Leapmotor's move into Spanish production gives its European expansion a local manufacturing base while deepening its operational relationship with Stellantis. Producing the B10 in Zaragoza could help align the company's model supply with its stated strategy of serving European customers through local operations, although the announcement does not quantify production capacity or the share of European demand the plant will supply. The planned Opel electric SUV production line and proposed transfer of the Madrid plant also point to a broader manufacturing role for the partnership. Meanwhile, the A05's European debut and access to more than one million public charging points broaden Leapmotor's product and service presence. Future progress will depend on execution of announced production plans, further model-launch details, and continued delivery growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where has Leapmotor started production of the B10 SUV in Europe?
Leapmotor has begun producing its B10 compact SUV at the Zaragoza plant in Spain, a facility jointly developed with Stellantis. The site uses Stellantis' manufacturing infrastructure to build vehicles specifically for the European market. The production launch forms part of Leapmotor's "in Europe, for Europe" localization strategy. It also marks the company's second attempt at local production in Europe, following the earlier T03 project in Poland. The announcement does not disclose the Zaragoza plant's B10 production capacity or provide a detailed manufacturing-volume forecast.

What is the partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis?
Stellantis invested €1.5 billion in October 2023 to acquire approximately 20% of Leapmotor, becoming the Chinese automaker's largest outside shareholder. The companies subsequently established Leapmotor International, a joint venture in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. The venture has exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor products outside Greater China. Their cooperation includes B10 production in Spain and plans for additional manufacturing activity at Zaragoza. Stellantis has also announced plans to transfer ownership of its Villaverde plant in Madrid to Leapmotor International's Spanish subsidiary.

What are the specifications of the Leapmotor A05?
The Leapmotor A05 measures 4,200 millimeters in length, has a 2,605-millimeter wheelbase, and offers two battery options for the Chinese market. Its 39.8-kWh and 53-kWh battery packs provide CLTC-rated ranges of 405 kilometers and 510 kilometers, respectively. Qualcomm's 8295 chip comes standard across the lineup. Although classified as a sedan in China, the vehicle is effectively a compact hatchback. The A05 is known internationally as the B03, and Leapmotor has not yet announced European-market pricing or a launch date for the model.

When will the Leapmotor A05 launch in Europe?
Leapmotor has presented the A05 to European audiences at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, but it has not announced a European launch date or price. The model launched in China on August 11, 2026, and is known internationally as the B03. Its European debut expands the lineup showcased by the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. However, an appearance at the motor show does not establish when customer deliveries or sales will begin. Further details about market availability and European specifications remain unannounced in the supplied information.

What is the significance of the Zaragoza plant for Leapmotor?
The Zaragoza plant provides Leapmotor with a local European manufacturing location through its cooperation with Stellantis. The facility uses Stellantis' manufacturing infrastructure to produce vehicles intended for the European market, beginning with the B10 compact SUV. The companies have also announced plans for a production line for a new Opel C-segment electric SUV scheduled to enter production in 2028. These initiatives extend the partnership beyond vehicle sales into manufacturing operations in Spain. The announcement does not specify plant capacity, production volumes, or the exact timing of the planned Opel line's installation.

How many vehicles did Leapmotor deliver in the first nine months of 2026?
Leapmotor delivered 666,539 vehicles during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 68.52% increase from the corresponding period a year earlier. The total also exceeded the company's full-year 2025 deliveries of 596,555 vehicles. In September 2026, Leapmotor recorded 105,656 deliveries, surpassing 100,000 vehicles for the third consecutive month. The company has set a delivery target of one million vehicles for 2026. The reported nine-month results show progress toward that goal, but they do not establish that the full-year target will be achieved.

Can Leapmotor owners use Stellantis' public charging network?
Leapmotor announced that its owners can access Stellantis' Free2move Charge ecosystem, which provides access to more than one million public charging points across Europe. The announcement expands the services associated with Leapmotor ownership beyond vehicle manufacturing and sales. However, it does not specify charging prices, country-by-country coverage, subscription requirements, or other usage conditions. The stated network size describes the charging points accessible through the ecosystem, not a separate network operated exclusively by Leapmotor. Owners should consult the applicable service terms for details that were not included in the announcement.