Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has stated the company sees opportunity to produce and sell Chinese-branded Leapmotor EVs in Canada and Mexico, but explicitly ruled out the US due to political constraints. Stellantis holds a 21% stake in Leapmotor and 51% of a joint venture giving it exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor vehicles outside China. The idled Brampton, Ontario plant — dormant since late 2023 — is the leading candidate for Canadian production. Separately, Stellantis announced a European partnership with Dongfeng covering sales, manufacturing, and engineering. The strategy reflects a dual approach: Chinese engineering for markets where politics allow, legacy brands (Ram, Chrysler, JLR collaboration) for the US where Chinese-linked vehicles face bipartisan legislative opposition. The move comes as Chinese automakers like BYD and Xiaomi undercut Western rivals on price and technology.
