Stellantis & Leapmotor begin local assembly in Malaysia, signalling regional push for EVs

Stellantis and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor have commenced local assembly operations in Malaysia, in what both firms describe as a pivotal step toward expanding electric mobility across Southeast Asia. The effort positions Malaysia as a potential hub for affordable EV production and distribution within the ASEAN region.

The assembly will take place at Stellantis’ existing Gurun plant in Kedah, backed by an initial investment of EUR 5 million (approximately RM24 million). The move comes under Stellantis’ broader Dare Forward 2030 roadmap and reflects a shared ambition to advance EV adoption across the Asia Pacific.

Ashwani Muppasani, Chief Operating Officer for Stellantis India & Asia Pacific, described the development as a milestone for the group’s regional electrification efforts. “This milestone marks more than the start of local assembly—it marks the next chapter in Stellantis’ electrification journey across ASEAN,” he said. “By combining Leapmotor’s EV innovation and success with Stellantis’ regional expertise and global scale, we are laying the foundation for an accessible, sustainable future of mobility right here in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.”

The Gurun plant has undergone upgrades to accommodate EV manufacturing and will begin producing the Leapmotor C10 model by the end of 2025.

The initiative aligns with Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy (NAP 2030) and its role as ASEAN Chair for 2025, reinforcing its aspirations to lead the region’s EV industrialisation.

Isaac Yeo, Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN, said the partnership is a significant step forward for the local automotive sector. “We are proud that Leapmotor will be the first locally assembled EV to emerge from the Gurun plant,” he said. “This marks a meaningful step forward not just for Stellantis, but for Malaysia’s role in the regional EV landscape.”

The collaboration is also expected to generate industrial activity, foster technology transfer, and strengthen Malaysia–China bilateral ties.

To mark its regional entry, Leapmotor completed a 3,000-kilometre ASEAN Expedition Drive, beginning in Hangzhou, China, and concluding in Johor, Malaysia. The drive featured a convoy of the company’s Range Extender Electric Vehicles (REEV), highlighting the cross-border potential of its technology.

Among the vehicles showcased:

C10 REEV – Combines a 1.5-litre petrol generator with a 28.4 kWh battery, delivering a claimed range of up to 1,150 km (NEDC).
C11 REEV – A mid-size SUV with a focus on urban comfort and highway performance.
C16 REEV – A larger, six-seat SUV targeting family and group travel segments.

The models reflect Leapmotor’s positioning as a provider of affordable, tech-driven EV options aimed at mass-market adoption.

With production set to begin later this year, both companies are expected to reveal more details on pricing and availability in the months ahead. For Leapmotor, the Malaysian assembly plant represents an anchor point in its broader international strategy.

Zhu Jiangming, Leapmotor Founder and CEO, said the collaboration with Stellantis is a strategic step toward scaling the brand across Southeast Asia.

“The localised assembly project in Malaysia will accelerate Leapmotor’s global strategic expansion… and set a benchmark for opening up the entire Southeast Asian market,” he said.

As the EV sector gathers pace in ASEAN, the Stellantis–Leapmotor partnership signals growing momentum behind regional efforts to establish a sustainable and scalable electric mobility ecosystem—with Malaysia playing a central role.