From being unknown 3 years ago to having 1,000 dealerships in Europe: Stellantis’ Chinese brand crosses a critical milestone
24/09/2026 16:00
Updated to
24/09/2026 16:00
Growing rapidly by selling electric cars is one thing, but doing so without having places to sell or repair those cars is practically impossible. Leapmotor has solved this problem in Europe at a pace that few Chinese brands have managed to match: by September 2026, its network of sales outlets exceeded 1,000 locations across the continent, achieving coverage of 80% of the region.
The data makes more sense when considering where this expansion comes from. Leapmotor did not build this network from scratch but relied on Leapmotor International, the joint venture it has with Stellantis since late 2023. This partnership gave it direct access to the extensive and well-established sales and after-sales network that the Franco-Italian-American group operates across Europe. Over these three years, Leapmotor has undergone complete changes in terms of products and strategic vision.
A network spanning 36 countries, from Iceland to Bulgaria
Thanks to recent additions, Leapmotor now has 1,020 dealerships across 36 European countries, spanning from Iceland in the west to Bulgaria in the east, including Malta and, of course, Spain. The most recent openings have taken place in Norway and the Balkans, and the brand plans further openings before the end of 2026, indicating that the expansion pace will not slow down in the short term.
What makes this expansion particularly efficient is that Leapmotor did not have to build its own after-sales network from scratch, which is usually one of the biggest hurdles for any manufacturer entering a foreign market. By combining its electrified technologies with Stellantis’ established presence in the European market, its experience in selling to both consumers and businesses, and its after-sales infrastructure, Leapmotor has been able to grow at a pace it describes as unprecedented for the brand.
The visible result of this network with over 1,000 sales outlets is that the average European buyer is now only 22 minutes by car from their nearest Leapmotor dealership. This is a significant factor because proximity to technical support and after-sales services is often one of the most important considerations in deciding to buy an electric car, especially for those still hesitant about switching to a less well-known brand in their country.
Europe, already the brand’s largest global delivery market
All of this commercial expansion is also reflected in sales figures. Leapmotor closed August with a record 103,129 deliveries worldwide, marking the second consecutive month the company exceeded 100,000 units delivered. Of that total, Europe accounted for 27% of the brand’s global sales that month, the highest share the region has achieved to date in Leapmotor’s business.
Beyond current figures, the strength of the joint venture Leapmotor International, combined with Stellantis’ extensive sales and after-sales network, enables the brand to steadily bring its electric mobility offerings to buyers across Europe. The company views this expansion not just as a short-term commercial achievement, but as a way to enhance customer comfort, trust, and long-term relationships throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.
More Weight for Leapmotor
The 2023 deal, valued at over 1.5 billion euros, seems like a great opportunity for the interests of both brands. Both have benefited, though Stellantis appears to be the most advantaged for now. As we’ve learned and as we’ve told you, Leapmotor will gain more importance within this international conglomerate. The Chinese side will be responsible for developing future Opel products. Additionally, Leapmotor won’t have to export all its cars from the Far East anymore. The factory in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, already has assembly lines in place to start production processes. By 2028, Leapmotor will take over the underutilized factory in Villaverde, Madrid, thereby expanding its European production capacity.