Leapmotor Begins Production of B10 in Spain; B05 Expected in 2027

Leapmotor has officially begun manufacturing its B10 electric crossover in Spain, marking a significant step in the Chinese automaker’s European expansion. The production started at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant, utilizing existing capacity rather than a new dedicated facility.

What Happened

Production of the Leapmotor B10 commenced on October 16 at the Stellantis facility in Zaragoza, Spain. This move fulfills earlier plans announced by Leapmotor to establish a manufacturing base within the European Union. Stellantis stated that the Zaragoza location was selected due to its available capacity, manufacturing expertise, and quality standards. Following the B10, the company confirmed yesterday that the B05 electric hatchback has been allocated for production at the same site. While Leapmotor did not specify an exact start date for the B05, Spanish news agency EFE reports that its launch is expected in the first quarter of 2027.

This development follows a previous attempt at European assembly, where the smaller T03 model was assembled at Stellantis’ Tychy factory in Poland starting in 2024. That operation relied on semi-knocked-down kits shipped from China but was short-lived, ending on March 30, 2025, without a public explanation from Stellantis.

Why It Matters

The partnership highlights a growing trend among Chinese automakers to expand into Europe through local partners and existing infrastructure rather than building new factories from scratch. Stellantis, which controls 51% of its joint venture with Leapmotor, has the rights to manufacture and sell Leapmotor vehicles outside China. This arrangement allows Stellantis to keep its Zaragoza lights on by producing a competitor’s vehicles, reflecting the complex dynamics facing European legacy automakers who must now choose between competing with Chinese brands, building their cars, or doing both.

Leapmotor is part of a broader movement of Chinese brands securing European production footholds. BYD is constructing a massive factory in Hungary, while Xpeng and GAC have turned to contract manufacturer Magna in Austria. GAC’s utilization of a facility that previously assembled the Fisker Ocean demonstrates how existing European plants can be repurposed for Chinese production. However, the market remains fluid; for instance, Audi’s shuttered Brussels factory saw reported interest from Nio, which was denied, before being sold to a property company in September.

The Bottom Line

Leapmotor has successfully launched B10 production in Spain via Stellantis, with the B05 model slated for assembly at the same plant in early 2027. This strategy of leveraging partner capacity allows Chinese EV makers to navigate European markets without the heavy capital expenditure of new construction, while providing European automakers with additional manufacturing volume.