Leapmotor C10 EV SUVs begin Asia Pacific rollout with first shipment

KUALA LUMPUR:  A significant milestone for electric mobility in the Asia Pacific region has been marked as Leapmotor International has shipped the first batch of its highly anticipated C10 SUVs from Shanghai, China.

The joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, with a 51/49 ownership split, is poised to make a strong entry into the EV market across the region. Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Australia, and New Zealand are among the key markets that will soon see the C10 on their roads, with more models expected to follow in the coming years.

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This shipment is the first of many as Leapmotor continues its aggressive expansion strategy under the joint venture, with plans to establish over 40 sales points across the Asia Pacific by the end of 2024.

Speaking on the partnership, a spokesperson from Leapmotor International stated, "This marks just the beginning of our long-term commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative mobility solutions across the Asia Pacific region."

Leapmotor C10: A Technological Marvel

The Leapmotor C10, the brand's first global offering, is designed to meet rigorous international safety and design standards. Based on Leapmotor’s proprietary LEAP3.0 technology architecture, the C10 features a host of industry-leading innovations.

These include the central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, the cutting-edge cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and an intelligent cockpit that sets a new benchmark in the EV space.

Built as a family-friendly D-segment SUV, the C10 offers a 420 km WLTP range, delivering both performance and efficiency. Its premium ride quality and handling aim to set it apart in a competitive segment, while safety features ensure it meets the stringent 5-star E-NCAP rating standard. 

The C10's design has already garnered international recognition. After securing the 2023 International CMF Design Award, it continued its winning streak with the 2024 Gold Awards from both the French Design Awards (FDA) and the US MUSE Design Awards.

Leapmotor's Rapid Growth

Leapmotor has quickly risen through the ranks of Chinese EV manufacturers, solidifying its position as the third-largest EV start-up in the country.

By September 2024, the brand had achieved cumulative deliveries of 460,000 units, reflecting its growing prominence in the global EV landscape.

The company's long-term strategy includes launching at least one new model each year for the next three years, signaling its ambition to continually innovate and expand its lineup in the fast-evolving EV market.

With this initial shipment of C10 SUVs setting sail, Leapmotor is clearly positioning itself as a key player in the Asia Pacific EV market.

The collaboration with Stellantis aims to accelerate the region’s transition towards sustainable mobility, offering consumers cutting-edge technology, design, and performance in the electric vehicle space.

As the C10 SUVs make their way to showrooms in the coming months, it will be interesting to see how Leapmotor’s ambitious plans shape the electric vehicle landscape across Asia Pacific.

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