"From Product Exports to Supply Chain Exports": China's Leapmotor Begins Europe's First 'Local Production'

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

China's finished vehicle industry is accelerating across the board with a "European localization" strategy that goes beyond simple product exports to encompass local production and supply chain development in Europe. As Chinese brands continue their expansion using major European motor shows, from Munich, Germany, to Paris, France, as a stage, Leapmotor has successfully fastened the first button of local production in Europe, drawing industry attention.

According to local industry sources, Leapmotor recently held the Yangsan launch ceremony for its new model B10 at its Zaragoza plant in Spain and launched full-scale operations with a goal of producing 9,000 units by the end of the year. This is the first case among Chinese new energy passenger car brands to have fully established a local Yangsan system within Europe . Leapmotor's localization strategy does not stop at finished vehicle assembly. By operating a power battery plant with an annual capacity of 100,000 sets in the nearby Maoyan area, it has simultaneously realized the localization of core components by assembling cells supplied from China into modules and packs locally. Spain is emerging as a key hub where major Chinese companies, including Leapmotor, Geely, Chery, and CATL, are establishing production bases, based on its excellent automotive industry infrastructure.

This move coincides with the recent surge in European exports of Chinese automobiles and the expansion of their market share in local markets. China's automobile export volume, which was around 1 million units in 2020, surpassed 8 million units in 2025, and is now aiming for the milestone of 1 million won units annually in 2026. As of August this year, Chinese brands recorded a registration share of 12% in the European passenger car market and 21% in the new energy vehicle market, demonstrating rapid growth. Compared to the past when nine brands participated in the Paris Motor Show, more than 20 brands are now participating en masse, burning with their will to target the local market.

Experts diagnose that while Chinese automobiles are performing well in the European market based on excellent product quality and price competitiveness, integration through local production is essential for a true brand leap. Meanwhile, Stellantis Korea stated that it had explored the domestic introduction of several Chinese automobile brands, including Leapmotor, but has not made a final decision due to various issues.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original