China’s Leapmotor will begin producing small electrical vehicles at a Stellantis plant in Poland as a part of a three way partnership between the 2 carmakers, two folks near the matter advised Reuters on Friday.
Manufacturing of Leapmotor’s T03 small automobile would begin as early because the second quarter of this 12 months utilizing the so-called semi-knocked down (SKD) approach, which consists of turning partially assembled kits into completed automobiles, one of many folks mentioned.
Manufacturing will begin at Stellantis Polish facility in Tychy, the second particular person mentioned.
The 2 corporations weren’t instantly accessible for remark.
Stellantis mentioned final 12 months it was shopping for a 21% stake in Leapmotor in a USD 1.6 billion deal that might give it a recent shot at China, the world’s greatest automobile market by gross sales.
As a part of the deal the 2 carmakers additionally introduced a three way partnership, giving Stellantis unique rights to construct, export and promote Leapmotor merchandise outdoors China, a primary for a legacy western automaker.
Chinese language regulator earlier this month gave approval to the Netherlands-based three way partnership, led by Stellantis with a 51% stake.
Media stories had mentioned earlier this 12 months Stellantis was contemplating its Mirafiori complicated in Turin, Italy, as a base for Leapmotor’s European manufacturing.