Leapmotor Expands Into Brazil and Chile, Strengthened by Stellantis Partnership

Leapmotor’s global expansion continues to accelerate as the company officially enters the South American market, backed by its strategic partnership with Stellantis. This month marks Leapmotor’s launch in both Brazil and Chile, a milestone supported by Stellantis’s extensive regional network and resources. The move signals the company’s ambition to establish itself as a major contender in the global electric vehicle landscape. The entry announcement coincided with Leapmotor’s appearance at the São Paulo Auto Show, where the company showcased several of its latest electric vehicle models.

A Major Step Into South America

Leapmotor revealed plans to introduce a full portfolio of electrified products across South America, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). The rollout begins in Brazil, which the company has identified as a key market due to its large automotive sector and growing interest in cleaner mobility solutions.

A major strength of this expansion is the partnership with Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest automakers. With Stellantis providing access to its dealership network and after-sales service system, Leapmotor gains immediate infrastructure support that would typically take years to build independently. This collaboration allows Leapmotor to offer a smoother, more reliable customer experience from day one—something vital in a competitive region like South America.

The company says its goal is to deliver innovative electric mobility solutions tailored for local needs, combining Leapmotor’s technology with the localized expertise and distribution strength of Stellantis.

Launch Models: C10, C10 EREV, B10, and the New C16

Leapmotor has already introduced multiple vehicle models across Brazil and Chile. The initial launch lineup includes:

• Leapmotor C10 (Pure Electric SUV)

• Leapmotor C10 (Extended-Range Version)

• Leapmotor B10 (Mid-size Pure Electric SUV)

These models are expected to serve different segments of the market, offering customers choices based on driving habits, range needs, and budget.

At the São Paulo Auto Show, Leapmotor also presented the C16, a six-seater electric SUV designed for families. The C16 adds a larger-format option to the lineup, demonstrating the company’s commitment to offering a diverse range of EV solutions for South American consumers.

Rapid Dealership Expansion Plan

Leapmotor is not limiting itself to a modest market trial. Instead, the company has outlined an aggressive expansion plan that includes:

• 36 sales and service outlets across 27 cities in Brazil by 2025

• 5 sales and service outlets in Chile within the same period

These facilities will be supported by Stellantis’s established channel ecosystem, allowing Leapmotor to deliver comprehensive services, from sales and maintenance to parts support and charging guidance. The goal is to ensure that customers can experience the full value of Leapmotor’s vehicles without worrying about service accessibility or technical support.

This rollout marks one of the most ambitious expansion efforts by a Chinese EV brand in South America, reflecting Leapmotor’s confidence in the region’s growing demand for electric mobility.

Introducing the LEAP+ Connected Platform

Beyond vehicles, Leapmotor aims to offer a smart ecosystem by introducing LEAP+, its connected services platform. LEAP+ enhances user convenience through digital and cloud-based features, including:

• Digital vehicle keys

• Remote vehicle operations (lock, unlock, climate control, and more)

• Intelligent charging navigation

To support the platform’s charging-related features, Leapmotor has formed partnerships with local charging service providers such as Zletric and GreenV. These collaborations will help deliver a dependable charging network and home charger installation solutions for customers in both Brazil and Chile.

The company emphasizes that combining LEAP+ with local charging partners enables a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience, which is crucial for winning customer trust in new markets.

A Fast-Growing Global Presence

Leapmotor’s rapid expansion into South America follows its formal entry into the European market last year. Through Leapmotor International, a joint venture with Stellantis, the company has built a presence in more than 30 overseas markets outside China. These markets span:

• Europe

• The Middle East

• Asia-Pacific

• Africa

This global footprint gives Leapmotor one of the widest international coverages among rising Chinese electric vehicle brands. The Stellantis partnership has significantly accelerated this growth by providing manufacturing, distribution, and local market expertise that strengthens Leapmotor’s competitiveness.

Ambitious Sales Goals Fueled by Growing Exports

Leapmotor has set an ambitious target of 1 million annual sales by 2026. The company expects:

• 900,000 units to be sold in the Chinese domestic market

• 100,000 units to be sold internationally

Based on current performance, overseas expansion will need to scale rapidly. Data from January to October this year shows that Leapmotor exported more than 44,000 vehicles, making it the top exporter among new Chinese EV manufacturers. The brand has already earned strong traction in major European markets, including:

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

However, despite strong export numbers, the road ahead remains challenging. Leapmotor’s current international presence—while growing—is still concentrated in select regions. The company’s ability to diversify its markets and increase global production capacity will determine whether it can meet the ambitious 2026 targets.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Leapmotor’s expansion into South America marks a major opportunity to tap into a region with rising EV adoption and strong government interest in sustainable transportation. However, reaching its global sales target will require:

• Continued market diversification

• Strengthening overseas infrastructure

• Ensuring competitive pricing

• Enhancing global brand recognition

• Adapting products to local consumer needs

The Stellantis partnership offers enormous advantages, including established channels and global manufacturing capabilities. Yet, the success of this expansion will depend on how well Leapmotor adapts to local market conditions while maintaining quality and affordability.

Conclusion: A Strategic Leap Forward

Leapmotor’s entry into Brazil and Chile signals more than just a geographical expansion—it reflects the company’s long-term commitment to becoming a globally recognized EV manufacturer. With strong support from Stellantis, a robust model lineup, local charging partnerships, and an ambitious service network rollout, Leapmotor is well-positioned to make an impact in South America.

Whether the company can reach its goal of selling 1 million units annually by 2026 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Leapmotor is accelerating quickly, and its presence in global markets is growing at an impressive pace.