Stellantis is in the process of appointing dealerships within the group, which will also have the Leapmotor brand from China as part of the existing brands already in its network across South Africa
Leapmotor, with a strong emphasis on electric and range-extended electric vehicles, will join Stellantis’s Peugeot, Citroën and Opel brands. Stellantis says this will reflect its strategy to expand its electric mobility offering in South Africa.
Stellantis Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, explains: “South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis, and we are fully committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships. The launch of Leapmotor is an exciting step for us as we introduce exciting new options for South Africans looking to invest in new-energy vehicles.”
Xin Tianshu, CEO of Leapmotor International, added: “We are committed to redefining the electric vehicle (EV) landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation. The launch of Leapmotor in South Africa, through our trusted partner Stellantis, marks another milestone in our expansion strategy. We believe their market expertise and customer dedication will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and set new standards for innovation and service.”
The initial launch introduces the Leapmotor C10 range extended energy vehicle (REEV). The C10 REEV cater to the mid-size SUV segment, appealing to a wide range of customers.
A shared after-sales facility will be operational from launch offering customers a seamless and integrated service experience across brands. This facility will feature dedicated service bays equipped to manage maintenance, diagnostics and services for electric and conventional vehicles, all delivered by certified experts trained to the highest international standards, says Stellantis.
Other Leapmotor dealerships that have already been appointed include:
Frustration with vehicle licensing offices owing to a lack of service delivery is nothing new, but in the Vaal Triangle it boiled over, especially for car dealerships whose business relies on vehicle registrations.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (AMEO) remain locked in tense wage negotiations that could soon lead to a strike across South Africa’s major vehicle assembly plants.
The South African automotive industry has the potential to drive a new wave of industrialisation, one that is urgently needed in the country.
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If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
Frustration with vehicle licensing offices owing to a lack of service delivery is nothing new, but in the Vaal Triangle it boiled over, especially for car dealerships whose business relies on vehicle registrations.
The Chinese automotive company, the Harmony Motor Group, which originally focused on luxury and ultra-luxury car dealerships, has shifted a gear with the overseas distribution of Chinese new-energy vehicles, particularly BYD.
The name tells the story – Basadi Automotive Group. Basadi, the Sesotho word for women, was chosen by a woman who, against all odds but with an unwavering belief in God, decided in 2018 or so to go it alone in the male-dominated automotive industry.
