• Leapmotor's new A-series model will be developed simultaneously for the Chinese and European markets, featuring a smaller size compared to the B-series models.
• Leapmotor will launch two new A-series models in 2026.

Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA)-backed Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Leapmotor (HKG: 9863) plans to launch the first model of its A-series lineup in the first quarter of 2026, local media outlet Leiphone reported today.

The standard version of the model has recently been delivered to suppliers for testing, according to the report.

The new model will be developed simultaneously for the Chinese and European markets, featuring a smaller size than the B-series to align with European consumer preferences, the report said.

Leapmotor debuted its D19 large SUV (sport utility vehicle) in China yesterday, marking the first model in its D-series lineup. Deliveries are expected to commence in the first half of 2026.

Earlier today, its company founder, chairman, and CEO Zhu Jiangming mentioned during a media briefing that Leapmotor will launch two A-series products in 2026, and that its automotive plant in Spain will also be completed next year.

Leapmotor will enter a new product super cycle in 2026, with 2-3 D-series models joining existing B-series, Lafa 5, and C-series offerings, Zhu said.

The company's European manufacturing base will be located in Zaragoza, Spain, at Stellantis' existing vehicle assembly plant, according to a report by local media outlet FNews on August 28.

Following the plant's conversion, production will initially focus on Leapmotor's B-series models, with manufacturing slated to commence in the third quarter of next year, the report said.

The first model to be produced at the facility would be the Leapmotor B10, followed by the B05, FNews reported.

Leapmotor announced on October 26, 2023, that Stellantis would invest €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion) to acquire about a 20 percent stake, becoming the EV maker's largest external shareholder.

Zhu mentioned last year that Leapmotor would cover China's RMB 60,000 ($8,420) to RMB 300,000 market segment with 13-14 models across its A, B, C, and D series over the next three years.

Leapmotor's current models sold in China include the T03, B10, B01, C01, C10, C11, and C16. The T03, B01, and B10 are available only as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while the other models also offer extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants.

It delivered 66,657 vehicles in September, marking its fifth consecutive month of record-high deliveries, according to data released earlier this month.

From January to September, Leapmotor delivered 395,516 vehicles, representing a year-on-year increase of 128.81 percent.

($1 = RMB 7.1273, $1 = EUR 0.8543)