Vauxhall plans new electric crossover SUV with Leapmotor

Vauxhall has revealed plans for a new electric crossover SUV, developed under its partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor. The model, the first product from this collaboration, will be designed at Opel-Vauxhall’s Rüsselsheim headquarters in Germany and developed by teams in both Germany and China, with production under evaluation at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain. Expected to launch in 2028, the SUV will integrate Leapmotor’s electric architecture and battery technology with Vauxhall’s design, chassis, and in-car tech. The project aims to reduce development time to under two years, positioning it as a key step in Vauxhall’s push for accessible, state-of-the-art electric vehicles. Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel-Vauxhall, stated that the partnership will enable faster innovation while maintaining high engineering standards. Xavier Chéreau, Stellantis’ chief human resources and sustainability officer, described the collaboration as a blend of German engineering excellence and global technological innovation speed. Stellantis and Leapmotor are also exploring broader industrial cooperation, subject to final approvals. Leapmotor, a 51:49 joint venture between Leapmotor International and Stellantis, has already established a retail network in the UK through Stellantis franchisees, including major dealer groups like Arnold Clark, Greenhous, Snows, and Robins & Day. Currently, Leapmotor offers two models: the T03 electric city car priced at £15,995 and the C10 D-SUV with a range of up to 261 miles and a price tag of £36,500. Three additional models are expected by the end of 2027. The new Vauxhall electric SUV will sit alongside existing models like the Grandland, Frontera, and Mokka, further expanding the brand’s electric lineup. The project serves as a pilot for Stellantis’ global collaboration strategy, combining European and Chinese expertise to accelerate the development of future electric vehicles.