Failed Bluff Strike for Stellantis with Leapmotor T03

Stellantis announced that it ceased assembly of the Leapmotor T03 at its Tychy factory in Poland since March 30.

Officially, Stellantis cites a “reassessment of production options.” But behind this statement lies an inept attempt to mask a strategy that was more of a mirage.

At its launch, Stellantis presented the T03 as a “Made in Europe” model. A claim quickly nuanced by facts: the vehicle was only assembled in Poland from imported parts from China, similar to a flat-pack furniture assembly where components are simply put together locally.

To reinforce this illusion, Leapmotor even displayed the car’s price with the ecological bonus deducted, convinced that the T03 could qualify for it. An assertion bordering on the absurd since this bonus is reserved for vehicles produced within the European territory or meeting strict local origin criteria. Ultimately, Leapmotor and Stellantis seemed the only ones to believe—or want to make others believe—that, with the production halt, this was no longer possible.

Politics More Than Ever Guides the Automotive Industry

The geopolitical context hasn’t helped. Poland, a staunch supporter of European tariffs on Chinese vehicles, has become less welcoming to this type of assembly. According to information reported by Les Échos and confirmed by Reuters, Beijing discreetly advised Chinese automakers to suspend their major investment projects in European countries supporting these tariffs. This decision made assembly of the T03 in Poland impossible and led Stellantis to abandon the idea of producing a second model, the B10, in the same factory.

This false “Made in Europe,” coupled with a shaky commercial strategy, severely damaged the credibility of Stellantis and its Chinese partner. What was supposed to be a showcase to strengthen their presence in Europe turned into a resounding failure. In trying to play all sides, Stellantis ended up losing the trust of consumers and industry alike. An poorly executed bluff that tarnishes the image of a shaky project.

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