Leapmotor, the Chinese brand of electrified cars belonging to the group Stellantis could arrive in Argentina. This was stated by Martín Zuppi, president of the local subsidiary, in a press conference during the launch of the Citroën Basalt in Brazil.
The Asian company in which Stellantis invested 1.5 billion euros to acquire 21% of its share package, it already has a presence in Chile and Uruguay, and will soon begin its commercial operations in Brazil.
“We have a firm chance of being able to have the brand in the country. Although for that to happen we must take into account an ecosystem, an infrastructure that allows us to sustain electric vehicles. We offer solutions, not problems,” Zuppi remarked.
The manager emphasized that Leapmotor will arrive at some point in the countryalthough he also stated that the Argentine infrastructure “is probably not so prepared for the landing to be immediate. The important thing is to understand what is the best time to be able to develop and bring the brand,” he added.
For his part, Pablo García Leyenda, commercial director of Stellantis Argentina, highlighted: “We are part of a working group together with colleagues from Brazil and Chile, although the date and commercial start in the country have not yet been determined.”
Both managers agreed that the ideal would be for Leapmotor to have its own network of dealers, although first it is important to understand the sustainability of the business and the volume so that it can have its own network.
“Stellantis has a very firm, very solid network for all brands. So we have no doubt that we will have investors if Leapmotor arrives in the country,” Zuppi concluded.
An alliance that expands throughout the world
Leapmotor International was created in 2023 and Stellantis is in charge of directing its operations outside the Chinese market.
This agreement has a plan to launch a new model every year for the next three years and increase presence in European markets, where it already operates in 13 countries. It also intends to expand to regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific (in addition to South America).
Leapmotor was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. Its infrastructure and production level does not compare with the giants of that country, although the company became relevant when Stellantis bought part of its share package.
Thus, Leapmotor International was created, a joint venture (controlled by Stellantis in a 51-49 ratio) to facilitate the distribution and production of the brand’s automobiles in markets outside of China.
Models that are already sold in the region
Leapmotor currently offers two electric vehicles both in Uruguay and Chile: T03 and C11.
He T03 It is a small five-door car that offers a range of 280 kilometers. It is equipped with an 80 kW motor (equivalent to 107 horsepower) that delivers a torque of 158 Nm and is powered by a 43 kWh lithium battery.
The T03 was launched in China in 2020 and is the second model manufactured in Leapmotor’s history. It measures 3.62 meters long, 1.65 m. wide and 1.57 m. high, with a distance between axles of 2.40 meters. While the trunk offers a capacity of 210 liters. Its marketing price in Uruguay is US$ 22.990.
For his part, the C11 is a medium SUV that has an engine with 200 kW of power (268 HP) and 360 Nm of torque, capable of traveling up to 500 kilometers on a single charge thanks to a 69.2 kWh battery.
It measures 4.75 meters long, 1.90 m. wide and 1.67 m. high, with a wheelbase of 2.93 meters. The trunk has a capacity of 375 liters. It has very complete safety and comfort equipment and is sold by US$ 47.990.
