Stellantis revealed that China’s Leapmotor will enter the Malaysian market this year. It is positioned as an affordable EV brand. CarNewsChina came to the conclusion that the first Leapmotor model to launch in Malaysia is the T03 electric hatchback.
Leapmotor is a young Chinese startup founded in 2015. It has been selling cars in China since 2018. Its current model line comprises four vehicles: C10 and C11 crossovers, C01 sedan and T03 hatchback. In 2023, Leapmotor sold over 144,000 electric cars in China.
Last year, Leapmotor signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Stellantis, the fourth-biggest world automaker, which includes brands such as Jeep, Citroen, Peugeot, Chrysler, Maserati, RAM, etc. They have created Leapmotor International, with Stellantis holding 51% and Leapmotor holding 49%. This JV focuses on exporting cars to overseas markets. Previously, Reuters reported that Stellantis is set to build Leapmotor EVs in Poland.
Leapmotor in Malaysia
On April 4, Stellantis revealed more information about its plans for 2024 in Malaysia, where it commenced operations in the country last month. This year, Stellantis plans to “revive iconic brands in Malayia”. Such brands as Jeep, Peugeot and Citroen are positioned as “professional lifestyle”, “upper mainstream” and “mass market”, respectively. Moreover, Stellantis disclosed that Leapmotor will enter Malaysia as an affordable EV brand.
At the same time, Stellantis, COO for ASEAN Daniel Gonzalez, told Paultan media that the company is working on introducing the Leapmotor brand to Malaysia this year. He also mentioned that Stellantis Malaysia is working on positioning and pricing the Peugeot e-2008 relative to the upcoming Leapmotor brand.
It seems that Leapmotor will first launch the T03 electric hatchback in Malaysia. Later, it will likely launch the Leapmotor C10 crossover here. Back to the Leapmotor T03, it is a small city car with dimensions of 3620/1652/1605 mm and a wheelbase of 2400 mm. In terms of powertrain, it has three e-motor variants: 40 kW, 55 kW, and 80 kW. It is also available with three battery options for 21.6 kWh, 31.9 kWh, and 41.3 kWh, which is good for a range of 200 – 403 km. Its price range in China is 49,900 – 89,900 yuan (6,900 – 12,425 USD).
