Stellantis Malaysia Shifts to Local Assembly for Leapmotor B10 Electric SUV

Stellantis Malaysia has officially commenced local assembly of the Leapmotor B10 at its plant in Gurun, Kedah. Alongside the transition to complete knock-down (CKD) production, the automaker has streamlined its local lineup by discontinuing the entry-level Life variant, leaving the higher-spec Design trim as the sole offering for Malaysian buyers.

According to the original publisher, the Leapmotor B10 Design is priced at RM118,800 on-the-road without insurance, which matches the previous price point of the fully-imported (CBU) version. While the production location has shifted to Kedah, the vehicle's core specifications and trim levels remain unchanged, with the only notable revisions being updates to the interior and exterior colour palettes.

Under the hood, the B10 Design retains its rear-wheel drive configuration, powered by a single electric motor that produces 218 PS and 240 Nm of torque. These figures translate to a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a 67.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sourced from CATL, providing a maximum driving range of 434 km on a single charge.

Charging infrastructure requirements remain consistent, with the onboard 11 kW AC charger requiring 5.6 hours for a full charge. For longer journeys, the vehicle supports DC fast charging at a maximum of 168 kW, which is capable of replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% state-of-charge in approximately 20 minutes. Interior amenities continue to include a 14.6-inch high-resolution centre touchscreen, an 8.8-inch instrument display, and a fixed panoramic sunroof.

For Malaysian consumers, the consolidation of the B10 range suggests a strategic shift by Stellantis to simplify production logistics while focusing on the higher-margin Design variant. By manufacturing locally in Gurun, the company may be better positioned to manage supply chain fluctuations and delivery timelines, which is a significant factor for buyers currently navigating the transition to electric mobility. The decision to maintain the RM118,800 price point for the CKD model provides a stable option for those looking to enter the EV market without a price hike despite the local assembly overheads.

From a macroeconomic perspective, the localization of the B10 is a positive development for the domestic automotive industry. As Malaysia maintains a robust 6.0% real GDP growth and an unemployment rate of 3.0%, the expansion of assembly operations in Kedah supports regional job creation and skills development. While headline inflation remains relatively stable at 1.8%, the move towards localized EV production serves as a hedge for consumers against the rising costs of traditional fuels, such as the current unsubsidized petrol price of RM3.77 per litre.

The transition to CKD status is likely intended to strengthen Leapmotor’s competitive standing against an increasing influx of Chinese EV brands entering the Malaysian market. With the B10 now part of a local manufacturing ecosystem alongside the C10, Stellantis appears to be prioritizing volume and consistent availability over a fragmented product range. This indicates a long-term commitment to the Malaysian EV segment, aiming to capitalize on the government’s push for electrification and carbon neutrality.

What remains unconfirmed is whether the discontinuation of the base Life variant is a permanent strategy or a temporary measure to streamline the initial phase of the Gurun plant’s production output. Potential buyers should also monitor whether future model years will see further adjustments to the standard equipment list or potential price incentives as production capacity scales up at the Kedah facility.