Leapmotor targets global growth with Europe R&D hub, eyes Canada assembly

A Leapmotor C10 model car is displayed at a showroom in its headquarters in Hangzhou.

Photo: Getty Images Leapmotor, one of China’s strongest-performing electric vehicle (EV) makers this year, is accelerating its global push with a new innovation centre in Europe and plans for potential local assembly in Canada, as it looks to entrench production of its low-cost smart cars overseas.

The Hangzhou-based carmaker, backed by Fiat owner Stellantis, has also raised its overseas sales target by 50 per cent, betting that higher fuel costs and easing trade barriers will bolster demand for Chinese-made EVs. “None of Chinese EV makers will ignore opportunities offered by overseas markets,” said Qian Kang, who runs a Zhejiang-based supplier of vehicle circuit boards. “Leapmotor’s goal of gaining a foothold in markets like Europe is a result of the rising popularity of Chinese EVs worldwide.” Founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming said this week that deliveries outside China could exceed 150,000 units in 2026, up from a previous target of 100,000 set in December.

Total sales this year are expected to surpass 1 million vehicles, a 40 per cent increase from 2025.

Leapmotor deliveries outside China could exceed 150,000 units in 2026, up from a previous target of 100,000 set in December.

Photo: Leapmotor/DPA Last month, Leapmotor opened its first overseas research and development hub in Munich, aimed at tailoring models to international customers.

It is also in talks with Stellantis to use the European carmaker’s idle assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, near Toronto, according to Bloomberg.

The company declined to comment on the potential Canadian venture.

Rising fuel costs triggered by the Middle East crisis are emerging as an unexpected tailwind, pushing consumers towards battery-powered cars to avoid higher petrol costs.

At the same time, a more supportive policy stance in Western markets has encouraged Chinese manufacturers – from BYD to Leapmotor – to step up overseas expansion amid slowing growth at home.

Europe has been a particular bright spot.

EV sales in the region jumped 33 per cent year on year to 4.3 million units in 2025, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, outpacing growth in mainland China, where sales increased 17.6 per cent to 12.8 million units.

In January, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping to cut tariffs on mainland-made EVs from 100 per cent to 6.1 per cent, with an annual import quo

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