Opel to Produce All-Electric C-Segment SUV in Spain as First Leapmotor Partnership Model
Opel plans to produce a new all-electric C-segment SUV at its Zaragoza plant in Spain, aiming for a 2028 launch as the first product from an expanded partnership with Leapmotor.
- Less than 2 years
- 2028
What Happened
Opel has announced its intention to produce a new all-electric C-segment SUV in Europe, the first model to emerge from a contemplated expanded partnership between Stellantis and Chinese EV maker Leapmotor. The vehicle will be designed by Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and is expected to be built at the Opel Corsa plant in Zaragoza, Spain, with a development time of less than two years and sales starting as early as 2028.
“The SUV would be designed and created by us at Opel in Rüsselsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers.”
“With this project, Opel would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed. This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel is taking on a pioneering role with this project.”
The new SUV would use core components of Leapmotor's electric architecture and battery technology, combined with Opel's signature design and engineering. Production at the Zaragoza plant, which has built the Opel Corsa since 1982, is under evaluation and would benefit from Stellantis' efficient European production network. The parties are currently conducting feasibility studies and pre-development work toward potential broader industrial cooperation.
Why this matters
This marks Opel's entry into the competitive C-segment EV market and demonstrates Stellantis' strategy to leverage Leapmotor's technology for faster development and scaling of electric vehicles in Europe.
Terms in This Story
- C-segment
- A vehicle size class for compact cars, typically offering a balance of space and fuel efficiency.
- Leapmotor
- A Chinese electric vehicle startup that focuses on affordable EVs and battery technology.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.