by Key Points
Stellantis Strategy
The Stellantis group is exploring the possibility of adding Chinese models to its European lineup under well-known brands. According to sources, Opel is considering the electric Leapmotor B10 as the first candidate for implementing this strategy.
The German publication Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese crossover could receive the Opel logo as early as next year.
Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is partially owned by Stellantis and is gradually expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets.
An anonymous source notes that although a final decision has not yet been made, this proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable electric vehicle in the compact crossover segment”.
Opel representatives declined to comment on any speculation regarding the company’s future products.
Model Specifications
The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact crossover with a fully electric powertrain and a range-extender option, although the latter variant is not yet available on the European market.
The car is built on the LEAP3.5 platform, which it shares with the compact hatchback B05, and features a high-tech interior and a full suite of driver assistance systems, demonstrating the brand’s growing technical capabilities.
Possible Design
While the extent of Opel’s design modifications remains undefined, a concept image has been created incorporating several subtle stylistic changes. These include the signature Blitz emblem, the Vizor radiator grille, and the Compass light signature on the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the body remains untouched.
In terms of dimensions, the B10 is 4,515 mm long, making it 130 mm longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm shorter than the Grandland, positioning it between these two models. Its competitors in Europe include the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3.
Production Plans
The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but is currently imported from China. However, Stellantis is considering manufacturing it in Zaragoza, Spain, starting in 2026. The same plant produces two Opel subcompact cars: the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka crossover.
Localizing production will also help avoid the European Union’s high customs duties on vehicles manufactured in China, which add a 20.7% tariff on top of the standard 10% import duty.
Pricing Policy
The goal, according to sources, is to maintain price competitiveness, possibly by lowering the current starting price in Germany, which is €29,900. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera starts at €28,990 in the same market.
Sales in Europe
According to Dataforce, Leapmotor sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe during the first nine months of 2025. This includes 11,064 units of the T03 city electric vehicle, 5,080 units of the midsize C10 crossover, and only 313 units of the compact B10 crossover.
The manufacturer recently surpassed the milestone of producing one million vehicles and now plans to export 50,000 to 60,000 units this year, indicating that Stellantis’s Chinese partner is becoming an increasingly significant player in global electric vehicle production.
This strategy of rebranding Chinese electric vehicles for the European market could become a significant milestone in the automotive industry, as manufacturers seek ways to combine the affordability of Chinese EVs with the recognizability of European brands. The success of such a model could pave the way for similar partnerships between Western automakers and Chinese EV brands, changing the competitive landscape of the European electric vehicle market.
