Stellantis’ Leapmotor partnership points to a wider — and riskier— industry gamble

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LONDON — A recent tie-up between Jeep maker Stellantis

and China’s Leapmotor is seen as a watershed moment for the future of European carmaking.

In a deal announced late last week, Stellantis said it will expand its strategic partnership with Leapmotor, paving the way for the latter to start production of a model for sale in the European market in 2028.

Leapmotor will also work with the multinational conglomerate, which owns household names including Jeep, Dodge, Fiat and Chrysler, to jointly develop an electric SUV under the Opel brand, with production set to take place at Stellantis’ plant in Zaragoza, Spain.