India is about to witness another significant development in auto industry as Stellantis prepares to bring its Chinese electric vehicle brand Leapmotor to Indian shores. Following successful expansions across Europe and Southeast Asia, the Franco-Italian automotive giant has now set its sights on one of the world’s largest automotive markets.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, recently provided crucial insights into the company’s strategic plans during an interaction with ET Auto. The executive confirmed that Indian consumers can expect to see the first Leapmotor model rolling into showrooms during the next financial year, specifically between April 2026 and March 2027.
Strategic Model Selection for Indian Roads
The choice of which vehicles to introduce reflects Stellantis’ understanding of Indian market dynamics and consumer preferences. Hazela revealed that the company is evaluating two primary options: a B-segment model and an entry-level C-segment vehicle for their inaugural launch.
Industry analysts suggest that the Leapmotor C10, a C-segment SUV, emerges as the most logical candidate for the Indian market. This preference stems from the overwhelming popularity of SUVs among Indian consumers, particularly in higher price segments, combined with the practical advantages these vehicles offer on India’s challenging road conditions.
The C10 brings impressive specifications to the table, measuring 4,515 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,655 mm in height, with a substantial 2,735-mm wheelbase. In international markets like the UK, this model features a robust 215 hp/240 Nm electric motor paired with battery options of either 56.2 kWh or 67.1 kWh, delivering WLTP ranges of 361 km and 434 km respectively.
Alternatively, Stellantis might consider the compact T03 hatchback, though this A-segment vehicle measures just 3,620 mm in length and comes with a more modest 94 hp/158 Nm motor and 37.3 kWh battery pack offering 265 km range. The T03’s compact dimensions and urban-friendly design could appeal to city-dwellers seeking efficient electric mobility.
Premium Positioning Strategy
Unlike other markets where Leapmotor operates as an affordable, entry-level brand, Stellantis plans a distinctly different approach for India. The company intends to position these Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles in the premium segment, targeting affluent customers seeking high-quality electric mobility solutions.
This premium positioning appears partly driven by economic necessities. Without confirmed plans for local manufacturing in India, Stellantis will likely import completely knocked down (CKD) kits and assemble vehicles domestically. This approach inevitably increases costs, making premium pricing a practical requirement rather than just a strategic choice.
Retail and Service Network Integration
Rather than establishing dedicated Leapmotor dealerships, Stellantis plans to leverage its existing multi-brand retail infrastructure. These vehicles will be sold through showrooms that currently serve Jeep and Citroen customers, indicating the company’s measured approach to volume expectations, at least initially.
Hazela disclosed that approximately 50% of Stellantis’ retail outlets have already transitioned to multi-brand operations, with all locations equipped to handle electric vehicle sales and service requirements. The company has ambitious expansion plans, targeting growth from the current 110 outlets to 150 locations within the next six months.
This integrated approach offers several advantages, including cost efficiency, streamlined operations, and the ability to cross-sell across different brands under the Stellantis umbrella. It also suggests a cautious market entry strategy that can scale up based on actual demand patterns.
The introduction of Leapmotor to India represents more than just another brand launch; it signals Stellantis’ confidence in India’s evolving electric vehicle ecosystem and its commitment to offering diverse mobility solutions across different market segments. As the automotive industry continues its electric transformation, such strategic moves could significantly influence consumer adoption patterns and competitive dynamics in India’s rapidly growing EV market.
