It started Leapmotor production in Stellantis factories. The small T03 is the first of the Chinese electric vehicles, partner of the Franco-Italian group, to arrive in Europe, awaiting marketing in September. And, surprisingly, an SUV is also expected, still covered in mystery for now, still in the same historic factory. Which however is not, as hoped and desired also by the trade union organisations, that of Mirafiori, in Turin. And there’s a reason.
To report the green light for the production of what is Leapmotor International, the joint venture of Stellantis and the Chinese company (with John Elkann’s group at 51%)is the Reuters agency: already last week, the first small T03s, the so-called “Chinese 500”, began to be assembled in the historic Fiat factory in Tychy, Polandin the spaces evidently left free by the Fiat 500 with combustion engine, which went out of production in Europe and was completely moved to Algeria.
Stellantis, which holds 21% of Leapmotor, through its CEO Carlos Tavares had announced in recent weeks the start of marketing of Chinese electric vehicles in 9 European countries, including Italy. And the Portuguese manager himself, regarding a possible production, replied that the convenience would be evaluated. Thesis reiterated the other day during Investor Day. Now, with the announcement by the analysts from the investment bank Jefferies – who had a conference call with Leapmotor top management -, Stellantis immediately responded earned on the stock market on the morning of June 17th (to immediately fall again and in any case settle below 19 euros per share).
Again according to the investment bank, there is a second model that will arrive in Europe, it is the A12 SUV, whose models spotted so far are still masked. It is a C-segment vehicle – while the announced C10 which is D-segment will remain in China – which will also be produced in the Tychy factory, which already produces the new Fiat 600 and the Jeep Avenger. Mirafiori, therefore, also loses this hope. And it’s a cost reason.
According to analysts who had the conference call with Leapmotor, in Poland the production cost varies between 400 and 500 euros for each car, while in Mirafiori – where in recent days work has resumed, at a reduced pace, on the Fiat 500e in Mirafiori construction – the cost is around one thousand euros. That is to say more than double.
