Stellantis-backed Leapmotor Reaches 1 Million Vehicle Milestone in China

In a significant milestone for the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, Stellantis-backed Chinese automaker Leapmotor has announced the production of its 1 millionth vehicle on September 25, 2025. This achievement comes just six years after the company's inception, highlighting its rapid growth and increasing influence in the global electric vehicle market.

Leapmotor's trajectory in the automotive sector has been nothing short of remarkable. Founded in 2017, the company first entered the market with its debut model in 2019. Within five years, Leapmotor had already produced half a million vehicles. However, it is the leap from 500,000 to 1 million units that underscores the company's accelerated growth. This significant increase in production took just 343 days, a testament to the company's dedication to scaling operations efficiently.

This rapid expansion was bolstered by a strategic partnership with Stellantis, one of the world's largest automotive groups. Last year, Stellantis acquired a stake in Leapmotor, providing not only financial support but also expertise and resources that have been instrumental in enhancing Leapmotor's production capabilities. This partnership has not only accelerated Leapmotor's production but has also expanded its reach into international markets, particularly in Europe.

In August 2025 alone, Leapmotor sold over 57,000 vehicles globally, with the majority, around 51,162 units, being delivered within China. From January to August of the same year, the company sold more than 320,000 units worldwide, a substantial portion of which was absorbed by its domestic market. Leapmotor's product lineup within China consists of seven models, with an eighth, the Lafa 5 hatchback, expected to launch soon.

Beyond its domestic success, Leapmotor is actively pursuing overseas expansion. The company has established nearly 700 integrated sales and service outlets across more than 30 countries, including regions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. A notable development in its international strategy is the collaboration with Grimaldi Lines to utilize the Grande Tianjin vessel, capable of transporting over 9,000 vehicles, to boost its export capabilities.

Looking forward, Leapmotor's ambitions continue to grow. The company's founder and CEO, Zhi Jiangming, has set an ambitious target to produce the next million vehicles within the next year. This goal reflects not only the company's confidence in its operational capacity and market demand but also its strategic vision to become a key player in the global electric vehicle market.