Chinese automakers don’t necessarily need to build factories to start making cars in Europe. Sometimes, a European manufacturer already has the space and is happy to help. That’s what’s happening in Spain, where Stellantis has started building the Leapmotor B10 electric crossover and is preparing to add another model.

The companies officially started B10 production at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant on October 16. This fulfills Leapmotor’s Spanish production plans announced earlier this year, giving the Chinese brand a manufacturing base in a major overseas market and, by extension, the entire European Union. Stellantis says it chose the facility for its available capacity, manufacturing expertise and quality.

Next to start production in Zaragoza is the B05 electric hatchback. Leapmotor confirmed its production allocation yesterday but without specifying a start date. Spanish news agency EFE reports the launch in the first quarter of 2027.

This isn’t Leapmotor’s first attempt at European production. The tiny T03, which surprised us with its value and driving manners, was previously assembled at Stellantis’ Tychy factory in Poland. That operation started in 2024, using semi-knocked-down kits shipped from China.

Stellantis controls 51% of its joint venture with Leapmotor, giving it rights to manufacture and sell its vehicles outside China. The Polish T03 experiment was short-lived, though, and Stellantis ended T03 assembly on March 30, 2025, without explaining why.

Leapmotor is far from the only Chinese automaker looking to establish a manufacturing presence in Europe. BYD is building its own massive factory in Hungary , while Xpeng turned to contract manufacturer Magna in Austria.

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