Stellantis Commences Local Production of Leapmotor C10 and B10 in Kedah

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 milestone marks the formal transition of both electric SUV models into the local manufacturing ecosystem, following the company’s strategic commitment to expand its industrial footprint in Malaysia.

According to the original publisher, the shift to domestic production is the result of a significant capital investment by Stellantis, amounting to approximately EUR5.3 million (roughly RM26 million). These funds were directed toward comprehensive upgrades for the Gurun plant’s production lines and underlying infrastructure. The company noted that these operations strictly adhere to a unified global compliance framework established through the partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor.

The Leapmotor C10, now rolling off the Malaysian production line, features a 69.9kWh battery paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. It delivers 218hp and 320Nm of torque, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 424km. To mark the CKD launch, the C10’s aesthetic palette has been expanded; Violet and Lightning White join the existing Canopy Grey and Glazed Green exterior colour options.

Meanwhile, the Leapmotor B10 is being introduced to the Malaysian market in a single Design variant. It is equipped with a 67.1kWh battery, offering a claimed WLTP range of up to 434km. Alongside these assembly updates, Stellantis is introducing an optional physical remote key fob for both the C10 and B10, which is available for purchase by both new buyers and existing owners of the models.

For the Malaysian consumer, this shift to local assembly is a development of significant interest regarding long-term maintenance and potential future pricing stability. While official pricing impacts remain to be seen, local assembly often serves as a strategy to mitigate the volatility of imported vehicle costs. Given that domestic fuel prices for unsubsidised petrol currently sit at RM3.77 per litre, the move toward a broader range of locally produced EVs provides commuters with more options to insulate themselves from fluctuating fossil fuel expenses.

For local SMEs and the manufacturing workforce, the investment in the Gurun plant signals a continued commitment to high-tech automotive training in the northern corridor. As Malaysia navigates an economic environment defined by a 6.0% real GDP growth rate and a stable 3.0% unemployment rate, the integration of global EV manufacturing standards into the local supply chain creates opportunities for skills development and auxiliary business support within the Kedah industrial cluster.

This transition follows the broader trend of international automakers leveraging Malaysia as a strategic production hub for the ASEAN region. With headline inflation currently tracking at 1.8% year-on-year, the automotive sector remains a critical pillar for maintaining stable industrial output. The move to CKD production for Leapmotor places Stellantis in a stronger position to compete with other EV entrants currently populating the Malaysian market.

Looking ahead, industry observers will be watching how this production scale-up influences the availability and wait times for these models. The domestic production line at Gurun is expected to streamline logistics, potentially shortening the cycle between order and delivery for local buyers.

As of September 2026, specific details regarding the total production capacity for the Gurun plant and the exact timeline for the full rollout of the new key fob across all service centres remain unconfirmed by Stellantis.