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The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Stellantis previews first Leapmotor model heading to South Africa
MPV-styled C10 crossover SUV will debut exclusively with a range extending electric powertrain as a first of its kind for a passenger vehicle in South Africa. C10 will serve as Leapmotor's first model in South Africa from September this year. Images: Charl Bosch Soon become the 14th Chinese automaker present in South Africa when sales commence in September this year, Stellantis provided the first official showing of its Leapmotor brand on local soil at its Media Connect event at Montecasino in Johannesburg on Wednesday (9 July). Premium Chinese brand One of China's newest brands that produced its first model, the already discontinued S01 in 2019, the Leapmotor will fall under what the conglomerate indirectly calls its premium nameplates in South Africa currently consisting out of Jeep and Alfa Romeo. ALSO READ: South Africa's next Chinese brand? Leapmotor soon to start exports A partnership initiated last year with the formal signing of a joint venture agreement in which Stellantis acquired a controlling share in the Hangzhou-based marque, the initial roll-product out will, seemingly, involve a single model before others arrive in 2026. New method of propulsion On sale in China since March last year, the model in question will the C10 showcased at the event as an MPV-styled crossover SUV capable of seating five. Priced at the time of its debut in the People's Republic from 128 800 yuan (R318 455), the C10 will become one of the first passenger vehicles in South Africa to offer a range extending electric powertrain whereby the combustion engine is used solely to charge the battery pack powering the electric motors. Although styled to resemble an MPV, the C10 is marketed as a crossover-style SUV. In this instance, the setup consists of a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 70 kW, and a 28.4-kWh battery pack powering a single 170kW/320Nm electric motor on the rear axle. While no combined power figure was revealed, the claimed all-electric range is 210 km, according to China's CLTC measurements, and 1 190 km when taking the petrol engine into consideration as well. Although it also offers an all-electric version in its home market, only the range extender is expected to be introduced in South Africa. Dimensions and spec Based on a platform called Leap 3.0, the C10 has measurements of 4 739 mm in overall length, a width of 1 900 mm, height of 1 680 mm and wheelbase of 2 825 mm. Accordingly, this allows for the interior to be customised into a fold-out bed as well as the seats can be folded to unlock an area of 2.7 metres in length. Minimalist interior is highlighted by a 14.6-inch infotainment display. Although available with LiDAR in China, the displayed model lacked this, suggesting it won't be offered, possibly as a means of keeping costs down. Present, though, was the 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a floating centre console, the minimalist steering wheel, a 14.6-inch infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Stay tuned Still to be formally priced, an announcement regarding it and the final specification is expected within the coming weeks. Additional information from ALSO READ: In South Africa soon? Stellantis backed Leapmotor going global
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Stellantis' local assembly plans now involve three products
Of the two additional models, one will be a new energy product, while the identity of the third or its market placing wasn't confirmed. Peugeot Landtrek will be joined by two additional products produced locally at the currently under construction plant in the Eastern Cape. Image: Peugeot Stellantis has revised its plans for South Africa by announcing that its under-construction factory in the Coega Industrial Zone in Nelson Mandela Bay will no longer solely build the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie. Making the most Part of a R3-billion investment for the production of 50 000 units annually, the deal, inked with the Department of Trade and Industry two years ago, had only been expected to involve complete knockdown (CKD) kit versions of the Landtrek for the local and export market by 2026. ALSO READ: Subtly updated Peugeot Landtrek debuts with new diesel heart Despite rumours at the time suggesting that Fiat might be another option when the third-generation Strada reverts to being a global model that same year, Stellantis South Africa CEO Mike Whitfield affirmed that the facility would instead be geared for two additional models alongside the Landtrek. Addressing the media at Stellantis' annual Media Connect event at Montecasino in Johannesburg on Wednesday (9 July), Whitfield said changes in the automotive landscape had made sole production of the Landtrek no longer viable if it wanted to fully utilise a factory claimed to produce as many as 90 000 units per year. A total of three Asked about the planned products, Whitfield stated that one would fall under the new energy vehicle category, before declining to comment on the third model. Shown at the event, the C10 by Chinese start-up Leapmotor, which entered into a formal partnership with Stellantis last year, has hinted at a possible third model, although this is purely speculative and unconfirmed for the moment. Whitfield, however, stated that the Landtrek, currently imported from China, will remain the core model once the factory commences assembly, now that the groundwork for the foundation has finished. More later Part of the conglomerate's Dare Forward 2030 campaign, initial reports that the facility would become operational at the end of the year have now seemingly been pushed back, as assembly was expected to start next year. While no details are available at the moment, expectations are that a clearer picture could emerge either before year-end or in early 2026. NOW READ: Stellantis approves R3bn local bakkie production deal from 2026
TimesLIVE
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Stellantis SA CEO reveals 2026 model and expansion plans
Stellantis SA, the Midrand-based, local subsidiary of the megacorp headquartered in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, used its Media Connect week at Monte Casino, Fourways, to launch the new Opel Grandland and announce a raft of brand-specific future plans. The world's fifth-largest automaker by global sales volumes looks after a substantial portfolio of 14 iconic brands including Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, DS, Lancia, Maserati and Vauxhall. The local company, headed by former Nissan SA boss Mike Whitfield, is the merchant of the Opel, Peugeot, Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën and Jeep brands exclusively. Whitfield took to the podium ahead of his team of brand managers to deliver the health status and future plans of the firm. Stellantis SA The CEO confirmed healthy growth for the company in tough trading conditions and commitment to a R3bn project to construct an assembly plant in the Coega special economic zone in Gqeberha. The plant will be used to build the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie by 2027. Whitfield says industrialising South Africa is key to the group's leadership plans in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, but he concedes that prevailing market conditions, including the Chinese car onslaught, have shifted trends, expectations and initial production targets. With the objectives changed, this put into jeopardy the minimum volumes of 50,000 units per annum needed to qualify for benefits under South Africa's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) — an incentive programme in place to stimulate local production. Solutions and complexities The experienced CEO says agility is needed, and now there's consideration for adding two other models to build alongside the bakkie at the nascent factory; one being a new energy vehicle and a so-far unidentified nameplate. Additionally, the company has set up a new department focusing on micro-mobility solutions for electric and conventional two, three and four-wheelers. The new subsidiary exploring the last-mile travels is headed by former Nissan SA country manager Kabelo Rabotho. Reducing range complexity forms part of 2026 efficiencies, this while introducing fresher ranges and adding more brands to an already wide scope of products as per Whitfield's confirmation that new energy subsidiary Leapmotor will enter the South African market in 2025. Leapmotor Leapmotor is a Chinese electric car start-up founded in 2015. Stellantis, with aims to bolster its fortunes in the global EV arena, formed a joint venture with Leapmotor International, holding a 51% controlling stake, and its Chinese partners 49%. The majority of Leapmotor products have electric propulsion but some of the models, such as the C10 REEV, are range-extender hybrids fitted with a conventional engine that charges the battery on the move, and promising a driving range of up to 1,150km on a full tank and battery. Pro One Whitfield also announced the establishment of the new Pro One brand in 2026. In a nutshell, globally, Stellantis is leveraging its commercial ranges into single units, and where South Africa is concerned French brand Peugeot will lead this charge with the Landtrek bakkie that recently gained updates of a bolder grille and other touches. Commercial offerings from Fiat and Opel will cease to exist, making way for Peugeot-badged bakkies and panel vans, but how French brand Citroën will be affected by the launch of the new Pro One brand is not yet known. Citroën The Stellantis SA entry marque finally revealed the new Hola, a panel van based on the C3 crossover and competing in the flourishing new sector created after the demise of the half-ton bakkie market. Powered by a 1.2 l engine, it's priced at R250,000. The rest of the C3 and C3 Aircross passenger ranges continue to offer value, with pricing targeted below the R400,000 mark. Opel With the launch of the smarter-looking and new Opel Grandland GS at a price of R789,900, the German brand that recently added the sportier Opel Corsa Irmsher Edition will bolster 2026 offerings with the new Frontera, a slightly shorter, more value-orientated SUV positioned below the Grandland range-topper. Alfa Romeo The sporting Italian brand that celebrated its 115-year anniversary recently is readying to launch the new Alfa Romeo Junior crossover this quarter. The sexy new number debuts with a pair of Elettrica (electric) models ranging from 115kW to 206kW. The larger and more established Tonale will gain a new plug-in-hybrid derivative while the Giulia sedan and Stelvio ranges continue as normal. Jeep Iconic lifestyle brand Jeep, which launched the rugged Wrangler with a downsized and turbocharged 2.0 l four-cylinder engine early in the year, gains a new, special, South African-made Gladiator bakkie derivative. The company doesn't share much information on the prospects, but adds that a hairier-chested, V6-powered Wrangler will also join the range, and that the Wrangler Rubicon 392 — the only model that comes fitted with a 6.4 l Hemi V8 engine — is also being considered for introduction to South Africa.
