Stellantis and China’s Leapmotor have officially launched local electric vehicle (EV) assembly operations in Malaysia, a strategic move set to bolster Southeast Asia’s transition toward sustainable mobility. The collaboration marks Leapmotor’s entry into local manufacturing, with production slated to begin at Stellantis’ existing facility in Gurun, Kedah.
Backed by an initial investment of approximately RM24 million, the project positions Malaysia as a key player in the ASEAN EV landscape. It also underscores Stellantis’ commitment to advancing green mobility solutions in the region through its partnership with Leapmotor, a rising star in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector.
“This is more than the start of local production—it’s the next phase of our electrification journey across ASEAN,” said Ashwani Muppasani, Chief Operating Officer for Stellantis India & Asia Pacific. “By pairing Leapmotor’s cutting-edge EV technology with Stellantis’ global footprint and regional know-how, we are laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive mobility in Malaysia and beyond.”
The Gurun plant, selected for its strategic location and mature automotive infrastructure, will serve as the cornerstone for this initiative. The facility has been upgraded to support EV assembly and will spearhead production for the region under Stellantis’ ‘Built in ASEAN for ASEAN’ strategy.
Isaac Yeo, Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN, noted that the rollout of locally assembled Leapmotor vehicles—starting with the C10 model by late 2025—will significantly enhance Malaysia’s role as a regional EV manufacturing hub. “Leapmotor will be the first EV brand assembled at Gurun, and this milestone demonstrates Malaysia’s growing importance in the region’s electrification roadmap,” he said.
This venture aligns with Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy 2030 and supports the country’s goals under its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. Beyond vehicle production, the collaboration aims to drive industrial development, facilitate technology transfer, and deepen economic ties between Malaysia and China.
Leapmotor Founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming emphasized the broader implications of the move: “Establishing local assembly in Malaysia marks a crucial step in Leapmotor’s global expansion. Together with Stellantis, we’re injecting new innovation into Malaysia’s automotive sector and setting the stage for broader regional growth.”
Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, added, “Our brand promise, ‘Excellence Within Reach,’ speaks to our mission of delivering high-quality, affordable EVs to the masses. This partnership reflects our shared vision with Stellantis to champion clean energy adoption in the local market.”
Following its Malaysian debut in October 2024 and a successful launch in Thailand, Leapmotor is rapidly expanding its presence across Southeast Asia, capitalizing on growing demand for accessible, tech-forward electric vehicles.
As preparations for local assembly ramp up, further announcements regarding product offerings, pricing, and market availability are expected in the months ahead.
