Stellantis is set to deepen its cooperation with Chinese automaker Leapmotor by involving several of its European factories, including one in Italy. This move aims to boost production capacity and speed up innovation, especially in electric and electronic technologies where European carmakers are seen as lagging behind their Asian rivals.
Leapmotor to Support European Manufacturing
During a recent industry meeting in Milan, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed the plan to extend the existing partnership with Leapmotor. Originally focused on developing affordable small electric cars and employee training, Leapmotor’s role will now grow to support multiple European plants.
Filosa explained that bringing vehicles co-developed with Leapmotor into European factories allows Stellantis to produce models it might otherwise not have in-house. This approach helps increase output and improve the use of manufacturing resources. More importantly, it accelerates innovation in areas where European brands have fallen behind, particularly in electric vehicle technology.
Focus on Italian Production and Maserati Alliances
The Italian plant most likely to be affected is Pomigliano d’Arco near Naples. Stellantis and Leapmotor are working on the E-Car program there, targeting small electric models such as an electric Citroën 2CV and a future Fiat mini car to replace the Panda. European engineers collaborate closely with Chinese experts at Turin’s Mirafiori plant to speed up development.
Beyond small electric cars, Maserati could also benefit from new partnerships with Chinese companies. While details remain under wraps, Stellantis will announce Maserati’s future collaborators in Modena on December 10, 2026. Rumours suggest potential ties with Huawei and JAC Motors, but nothing is confirmed yet. Investments are also planned at the Cassino plant to help Maserati boost production while maintaining its Italian design heritage.
Growing Reliance on Chinese Technology
Stellantis’ expanding ties with Leapmotor follow similar moves, including cooperation with battery maker CATL and sending European workers to China for training. Leapmotor provides modular technology kits with batteries, motors, and electronics that reduce development costs. This growing dependence on Chinese expertise underlines Stellantis’ strategy to keep producing European cars at home while closing the gap in electric vehicle innovation.
More details about these partnerships and their impact on Stellantis’ European operations are expected towards the end of 2026.
Source: italpassion.fr
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