Peter Lyon
April 4, 2024
This week, Stellantis Malaysia revealed plans to launch affordable EVs in the Malaysian market through Leapmotor, of which it recently purchased 20%. The group also intends to bring back several of its well-known brands to our shores, including Jeep, Citroen, and Peugeot.
One notable point from the media reveal was that the four brands including Leapmotor, also have local assembly (CKD) plans. With Citroen, Stellantis seeks to challenge the “mass market,” Leapmotor the “affordable EV” market, Peugeot the “upper mainstream,” and Jeep the “recreational lifestyle” market.
Established in 2015, Leapmotor is a Chinese vehicle manufacturer of which Stellantis owns a 20% investment after becoming a strategic shareholder in October 2023. Electric vehicles (EVs) such as the T03 mini car, the C11 SUV, and the C01 electric sedan are sold under the Leapmotor brand.
In addition to the four primary brands that Stellantis owns and is planning to revive in the Malaysian market, the company is also researching the viability of bringing back its other brands, which include Maserati, Alfa Romeo, DS Automobiles, Lancia, Dodge, Chrysler, Opel, Vauxhall, and Fiat.
In order to revitalise its brands in Malaysia, Stellantis intends to proceed with its four strategic pillars. These include “Customer centricity,” “financial strength,” “brand power,” and “people & learning,” with the enhancement of the group’s aftersales support being one of the primary goals of the company’s resurgence.
For those interested in the potential Stellantis lineup, you will be able to check out the majority at introducing to the Malaysian market, the business reports that the upcoming 2024 Malaysia Autoshow will include an intriguing selection of cars. The Peugeot 408 is one model that has been approved for the Malaysian market. This year, Stellantis may possibly launch one of the three Leapmotor models in Malaysia.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Stellantis returning to Malaysia, with some 4 brands, and potentially more in the near future is big news for local motorists. And with Citroen tackling the “mass market,” Leapmotor the “affordable EV” market, Peugeot the “upper mainstream,” and Jeep the “recreational lifestyle” market, well it sounds like the group has the market pretty much covered.
