Stellantis in the Shadow of Chinese Interference in Europe

Stellantis could produce the Leapmotor B10 in Spain rather than in Poland at the request of its Chinese partners.

More specifically, the Leapmotor B10 might be manufactured at the Spanish factory in Figueruelas, near Zaragoza. Initially planned for Poland, this production is compromised by Warsaw’s support for European customs tariffs targeting Chinese electric vehicles. This decision underscores a major geopolitical issue—the Chinese interference in European industrial affairs.

Despite holding a majority 51% stake in Leapmotor International, Stellantis appears unable to counterbalance the influence of its Chinese partner, who owns the remaining 49%. This imbalance highlights the European group’s relative helplessness in strategic decisions. The potential relocation to Spain, Germany, or Slovakia illustrates this concerning dependence. These countries have remained neutral regarding the additional customs fees and could be rewarded for it.

According to La Tribuna de Automoción, economic and industrial feasibility studies are underway for the Spanish site, while local suppliers are being consulted to assess component manufacturing. Although the Figueruelas plant has the capacity to accommodate a new model, it is currently transitioning to the STLA Small platform, which could complicate hosting the Leapmotor B10.

However, this project exceeds technical or economic issues. It reflects a disturbing reality: European automakers are forced to accommodate the strategic priorities of their Chinese partners, sometimes to the detriment of European interests. The Zaragoza plant could benefit from the proximity of CATL battery factory, but this decision remains contingent on Leapmotor’s requirements, and thus indirectly on Beijing’s interests.

The Leapmotor B10, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2024, exemplifies the paradox of an Europe that, while trying to protect itself from Chinese incursions through tariff measures, sees its own economic actors become hostages. Stellantis, a European giant, now seems unable to reaffirm its independence in the face of an increasingly influential partner.

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