Stellantis to build Leapmotor-based EVs in Italy; Renault to make BEV in Korea

· Automotive & EV · Italy · South Korea

Stellantis said its engineers are working with Leapmotor colleagues on small electric vehicles to be built at Pomigliano, Italy, with one planned model expected to be inspired by the Citroen 2CV. The Italian production plans extend Stellantis' existing China-linked partnership with Leapmotor into European manufacturing. Separately, Renault announced plans to start production of a new battery-electric vehicle in South Korea, with a new hybrid model to be introduced there in 2027 ahead of the BEV launch in 2028. Both moves show European automakers leaning on low-cost EV platforms and overseas plants as they respond to competitive pressure from Chinese brands.

Why it matters：The two moves illustrate how legacy European automakers are restructuring manufacturing and platform strategy, using Chinese-linked EV technology and non-European plants to defend cost competitiveness as Chinese brands expand globally.

Key points

  • Stellantis engineers are working alongside Leapmotor colleagues on small EVs to be built in Pomigliano, Italy.
  • One planned Stellantis model is expected to be a Citroen 2CV-inspired car.
  • Renault will start building a new BEV in South Korea, with a hybrid model arriving in 2027 before the 2028 BEV launch.

Sources (original reporting)

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