Stellantis Malaysia Begins Local Assembly of Leapmotor C10 and B10

Stellantis Malaysia has officially commenced the local assembly (CKD) of the Leapmotor C10 and B10 electric vehicles at its production facility in Gurun, Kedah. This transition to domestic production follows a significant investment of 5.3 million euros, or approximately RM24.9 million, directed toward infrastructure upgrades and the integration of production lines at the plant previously acquired from Naza in 2021.

According to the original publisher, the shift to CKD production does not compromise quality, as Leapmotor and Stellantis operate under a unified global compliance framework. This alignment ensures that the locally assembled units meet the same rigorous manufacturing standards as those produced in Leapmotor’s Chinese facilities. The vehicles are now available for purchase at dealerships across the country.

The D-segment Leapmotor C10 is priced at RM129,000 and now offers expanded aesthetic choices. In addition to the existing Canopy Grey and Glazed Green, customers can now opt for Violet and Lightning White. While the green exterior is paired with a Camel Brown interior, the other three colours come exclusively with a black cabin. Performance remains consistent with a 218 hp motor and 320 Nm of torque, supported by a 69.9 kWh battery that provides a WLTP-rated range of 424 km.

The C-segment B10, meanwhile, has been streamlined into a single Design variant priced at RM118,800, effectively replacing the base Life trim. It is available in Starry Night Blue, Tundra Grey, Metallic Black, and Light White, all featuring a Dark Grey interior. It is powered by a 218 PS motor with 240 Nm of torque, paired with a 67.1 kWh battery that delivers an estimated WLTP range of 434 km.

For Malaysian consumers, the move to CKD status is significant as it signals long-term commitment from a global automotive giant toward the local EV ecosystem. By shifting production to Kedah, Stellantis is likely aiming to insulate its pricing strategy from some of the volatility associated with fully imported vehicles, which is particularly relevant as Malaysians contend with a RON95 unsubsidised price of RM3.77 per litre. This local presence potentially simplifies after-sales support and parts availability for owners.

Furthermore, the introduction of an optional physical remote key fob for both new and existing owners addresses a specific friction point for local drivers. Previously, users were required to tap a key card on the wing mirror or rely on a smartphone app for access. Providing a traditional tactile option suggests the manufacturer is actively listening to local feedback to improve the ownership experience, which could influence purchasing decisions for those hesitant to rely solely on digital entry methods.

This development arrives at a time when the Malaysian economy is showing resilience, with a real GDP growth of 6.0% year-on-year. While headline inflation remains relatively controlled at 1.8%, the automotive sector faces intense competition as more manufacturers race to capture market share within the national transition toward sustainable mobility. The Gurun plant serves as a critical node in this strategy, acting as a regional hub that leverages existing infrastructure to support the growing demand for electrified transport.

The decision to localize these models follows years of policy focus on the automotive sector, including efforts to reduce the unemployment rate, which stood at 3.0% in May 2026. By anchoring production within the country, Stellantis contributes to the local industrial workforce while bolstering the supply chain required to maintain Malaysia's competitiveness in the regional automotive landscape.

At this stage, it remains unconfirmed whether the CKD status will lead to further adjustments in vehicle delivery timelines or if additional variants will be added to the local lineup in the near future. It is also unclear how many units the Gurun facility intends to produce annually as the company scales its operations for both the domestic and potential export markets.