Leapmotor targets Germany, other European markets for 2024 expansion

Chinese automaker Leapmotor -- a potential Volkswagen partner in China -- will expand sales of its vehicles into new European market starting next year.

The company, which already sells the T03 electric minicar in France through a local importer, will launch in Germany and other European countries, said the head of international operations Matt Lei.

Leapmotor presented the C10 electric SUV, its first model developed for international markets, at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich on Monday.

The automaker plans to launch five globally oriented models over the next two years.

Leapmotor is counting on its software-defined Leap 3.0 architecture to win buyers.

The architecture integrates four domains -- cabin, intelligent driving, powertrain, and body control -- into a unified platform,

This ensures the "best smart mobility experience" in the industry, Lei said.

Leapmotor's models will not cost more than comparable combustion engines, Lei added.

The T03 is available for 26,000 euros. The company has not yet announced concrete prices for its new models.

Leapmotor is looking for sales partners to help it build up a dealer network in Europe.

Leapmotor is also looking for partners at the manufacturer level.

VW is reportedly interested in using Leapmotor's technology for its China-only brand Jetta.

Stellantis, too, is said to be in talks with the Hangzhou-based company.

Leapmotor did not comment on potential partners.

Its founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming said: "Openness, co-creation and global collaboration are key to the rapid adoption of smart electric vehicles."