Stellantis is in advanced talks with China’s Leapmotor to jointly develop an electric SUV under the Opel brand, according to people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported. If the project proceeds, the model will be built on Leapmotor’s existing technology platform and produced at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain. It has a targeted annual output of around 50,000 units, with production expected to begin in 2028. Opel Astra EV The report said the new model will share its platform architecture with Leapmotor’s B10 compact SUV. The B10 is also set to be assembled at the Zaragoza plant later this year for the European market. Leapmotor will provide core technologies and key components, including the electronic and electrical architecture. Opel will be responsible for exterior design and brand positioning. Part of the development work is expected to be carried out in China. Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor for approximately $1.6 billion in 2023 and established a joint venture, Leapmotor International, in which it holds a 51% controlling stake, to oversee overseas operations. Stellantis and Leapmotor strategic cooperation signing ceremony Notably, in October last year, report suggested Stellantis planned to incorporate the China-made Leapmotor B10 into its European product lineup under the Opel brand, although this was not officially confirmed at the time. Opel’s role in the project is significant. Data shows the brand accounted for about 21% of Stellantis’ European sales in 2025, with Europe remaining its core market. Both parties have remained cautious publicly. Stellantis said it maintains regular communication with Leapmotor but has not disclosed specific project details. Meanwhile, Leapmotor stated that current cooperation is primarily focused on component supply and has not confirmed platform-level collaboration. Leapmotor B10 Stellantis is facing increasing pressure in its electrification transition. The company has previously acknowledged that its expectations for the pace of EV adoption in Europe were overly optimistic, with returns on related investments falling short of projections. Introducing mature external platforms is becoming a pragmatic option. Further collaboration is also under discussion. The report noted that both sides are exploring the possibility of developing Alfa Romeo models and additional A-segment vehicles based on the same architecture to improve economies of scale.