This month, Stellantis introduced the Citroën ë-C3, a move the group calls Europe’s first truly affordable electric vehicle. Priced at 23,300 euros, the ë-C3 promises a practical range of about 320 kilometers and signals Stellantis’ strategic response to the growing presence of Chinese brands in the European market. In a swift follow-up, the company led by Carlos Tavares disclosed an additional bold step: acquiring a 20% stake in Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor for 1.5 billion dollars. The arrangement envisages the formation of a Europe-based joint venture in which Stellantis would hold a majority share. The announcement came as part of the company’s third-quarter results presentation, with the financial leadership underscoring a broader plan to diversify the product lineup with a low-cost option derived from Leapmotor’s portfolio, aiming for as many as 500,000 units sold outside China by 2030.
Industry observers, including several specialized outlets, noted that Europe would be the initial target market for Leapmotor’s models under the new collaboration. The leadership stressed that the initiative is not about adding a merely additional badge, given Stellantis already operates a portfolio of fourteen brands outside China. Instead, the aim is to offer cost-conscious customers access to cutting-edge technology embedded in Leapmotor vehicles, while also enabling the group to glean new market insights from a partner that brings Chinese manufacturing efficiency to the table. The executives portrayed the plan as a strategic amplifier that could resonate with buyers seeking a balance between price and advanced features.
Leapmotor’s lineup includes several models, ranging from compact sedans to city-oriented hatchbacks. Among them, the C01 is highlighted for its affordability at a price point around 23,300 euros, a figure positioned to attract cost-sensitive buyers who still expect modern safety and connectivity features. A smaller city car variant is available at a notably lower price point, while the company’s C01 model family represents a core example of the brand’s approach to urban mobility. If Leapmotor proceeds with a European entry, the T03 model could become the benchmark: a compact offering that would compete at the lower end of the traditional automotive market, potentially undercutting many rivals even after anticipated adjustments for import costs and currency effects.
The strategic move comes amid persistent tensions in Stellantis’ interactions with other automakers from Asia. Chief executives have repeatedly criticized the influx of Asian brands into Europe, including major players from China such as BYD, Nio, and MG, arguing that subsidies may be giving these brands an uneven advantage. The executives have voiced concerns about how such dynamics affect local manufacturing and employment, while pursuing constructive partnerships that could expand European access to cost-competitive, technology-forward vehicles. The recent Leapmotor collaboration is framed as a measured response designed to preserve Stellantis’ competitiveness without compromising its long-term European industrial footprint.
On the financial front, Stellantis reported a third-quarter turnover of 45.1 billion euros, marking a 7 percent increase versus the same period in the previous year. This performance was supported by an 11 percent rise in vehicle sales, totaling 1,427,000 units. Management acknowledged, however, that certain operational disruptions did impact results. They cited factory strikes in the United States and Canada as contributing factors that caused an estimated 3 billion euros in lost revenue relative to original production plans through October. The overall tone from management emphasized resilience and the strategic value of broadening the product mix to capture new demand segments while maintaining a careful focus on efficiency and cost control across the group’s extensive manufacturing network.