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:
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
House lawmakers in the United States (US) have proposed bipartisan legislation that would require electric vehicles (EVs) to pay a R2 227 ($130) fee annually for road repairs, and R578 ($35) for some plug-in hybrid models, according to Reuters.
Taking on the challenge of restoring a legacy brand to a stronger position in South Africa is now the focus for Dealer Principal David Venter and his team at Mazda The Glen in the south of Johannesburg.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Taking on the challenge of restoring a legacy brand to a stronger position in South Africa is now the focus for Dealer Principal David Venter and his team at Mazda The Glen in the south of Johannesburg.
Twenty-seven Lepas dealerships are now open across South Africa, and the brand is already planning more.
Stellantis South Africa announced the opening of a new SCW Mobility Group dealership in Cape Town, bringing seven of its leading automotive brands under one roof, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, Leapmotor, Opel, and Peugeot.
