KUALA LUMPUR: Local assembly (CKD) operations of Stellantis Malaysia's Leapmotor vehicles at their Gurun plant in Kedah have officially begun.
The C10 electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) will be the first model to headline the localised assembly line with the B10 to follow suit by the end of the year.
Though no further models have been confirmed, Stellantis ASEAN managing director Isaac Yeo has hinted that the plant will also accommodate the assembly of range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs).
To accommodate the advanced manufacturing standards of Leapmotor’s high-tech electric vehicles, Stellantis has allocated €2.23 million (RM10.36 million) toward localised assembly development.
Additionally, Stellantis has secured a capital expenditure (CAPEX) of €3.1 million (RM14.4 million) specifically earmarked for production line and infrastructure upgrades at the Gurun facility.
"The start of Leapmotor’s local assembly operations at our Gurun plant is a landmark achievement that places Malaysia at the forefront of EV industrialisation in the ASEAN region," said Yeo.
"As a crucial pillar within Stellantis APAC region for global growth, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to drive our regional expansion and lead by example.
"By leveraging Stellantis’ strategic partnership with Leapmotor, we are not only accelerating Stellantis' regional electrification roadmap, but delivering high-tech, accessible mobility solutions for consumers while upskilling our manufacturing capabilities," Yeo added.
In conjunction with the announcement, both Stellantis and Cycle & Carriage (C&C)announced that the latter will be handling distribution operations in Malaysia.
Yeo said Cycle & Carriage’s role in leading Leapmotor’s distribution operations in the country reflects a longstanding partnership built on shared values, mutual trust, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
"This appointment marks an important milestone in a partnership that has continued to strengthen and is backed by proven automotive expertise, an established retail network, and a customer-first approach.
"We believe that Cycle & Carriage is well-positioned to drive Leapmotor’s next phase of growth in Malaysia,” said Yeo.
C&C chief operating officer Adrian Short commented that the commencement of said operation marks another significant milestone in their partnership with Stellantis Malaysia and the Leapmotor brand.
"We believe Malaysia is entering an exciting new phase in electric mobility adoption, with customers increasingly looking for smart, technology-driven vehicles that deliver both innovation and everyday practicality.
“Electric mobility must not only be aspirational, but must also be accessible.
"We see strong potential to bring a high-value, accessible premium EV proposition to more Malaysian customers through Leapmotor, supported by C&C’s commitment to delivering exceptional journeys across every stage of ownership, from retail and aftersales to long-term customer support,” added Adrian.
To date, the Leapmotor network has grown to 12 sales and six service locations across Malaysia with more in the pipeline to open by the end of the year.
Over the past year, C&C has expanded its Leapmotor network footprint across the nation with locations in George Town Penang, Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, alongside the opening of Leapmotor’s flagship 3S centre in Glenmarie.
While the immediate production roadmap focuses on supplying high-quality vehicles for the Malaysian market, Stellantis continues to strategically evaluate prospective export opportunities from Gurun to the wider ASEAN region.
