Leapmotor teases the B10 as global crossover set to debut in Paris
Leapmotor, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer backed by Stellantis, is almost ready to unveil its latest offering, the B10 compact SUV, at the upcoming Paris Auto Show on October 14th. This clearly shows the company's global ambitions for the B10, positioning it as a key player in the competitive electric car market.
Leapmotor's journey began in 2015 as a Chinese new energy vehicle startup. Fast forward to 2023, and Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automaker, acquired a 20% stake in the company in a significant $1.66 billion deal. This partnership led to the formation of Leapmotor International, a joint venture with Stellantis holding a majority 51% stake.
Currently, Leapmotor's Chinese lineup boasts five models: the T03 city car, the C01 sedan, and the C10, C11, and C16 crossovers. However, only the T03 and C10 have made their way to international markets. The B10 seems to be ready to join this select group, expanding Leapmotor's global footprint.
Official images of the B10 reveal a compact SUV draped in camouflage with the "Leapmotor" inscription. Notable features include thin DRLs under the hood, circular headlamps in the front bumper, and retractable door handles for improved aerodynamics. Although the B10's exact dimensions remain a mystery, its compact SUV classification suggests it's smaller than the C10 currently available in Europe.
The B10 is set to play a crucial role in bolstering Leapmotor's overseas strategy. Currently, the brand offers the T03 and C10 in thirteen European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Leapmotor's ambitious plans include opening 350 outlets worldwide by the end of 2024, with over 200 stores in Europe alone. The company is also eyeing expansion into other regions like Turkey, Israel, Australia, and South America.
In China, Leapmotor's sales have seen a significant boost thanks to the recent launch of the C16 SUV. However, it's unclear whether this model will make its way to international markets. The brand's current focus in China seems to be on cost reduction, evidenced by the discontinuation of 4WD variants due to low demand.
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