Zakirin
Stellantis Malaysia has officially commenced the local assembly (CKD) operations for the Leapmotor C10 electric vehicle, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion in the Southeast Asian market.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN, Isaac Yeo, during a recent signing ceremony formalizing the distribution partnership between Stellantis Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage. According to Yeo, the localized production of the D-segment electric SUV quietly began in April and May of this year at the Stellantis assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah.
Multi-Million Ringgit Investment in Gurun
To support the transition towards advanced electric vehicle manufacturing and realize its long-term production roadmap, Stellantis has invested over RM25 million to comprehensively upgrade its Gurun facility.
The manufacturing plant, which is wholly owned by Stellantis, serves as a crucial hub for the region and currently boasts a maximum production capacity of up to 60,000 vehicles annually. By producing the Leapmotor C10 locally, Stellantis aims to streamline its supply chain, improve vehicle availability, and establish a stronger foothold in the domestic market.
The Leapmotor B10 is Next in Line
The C10 is just the beginning of Stellantis’s localized EV ambitions. Following the successful integration of the C10 into the production line, the company has confirmed that the upcoming Leapmotor B10 compact SUV will be the next model to undergo local assembly.
The B10 is scheduled to begin rolling out from the Gurun plant within the next two to three months, further expanding the brand’s local portfolio.
Boosting Competitiveness in a Growing Market
The initiation of CKD operations is a strategic move expected to open the doors for more Leapmotor models to be assembled locally in the future. This will significantly elevate the brand’s competitiveness against rival EV manufacturers in Malaysia’s rapidly accelerating electric vehicle sector.
The local assembly comes at a time of strong momentum for the brand. The Leapmotor C10 has steadily gained traction among buyers, a position further bolstered by the recent introduction of the enhanced C10 Plus variant, which features an upgraded 800V architecture, a larger 81.9 kWh battery pack, and a highly capable 510 km WLTP driving range.
