Spain is the second largest automobile producer in Europe, if we take into account total volume. Our industry is only behind the German industry, although certain doubts arise regarding the future. It is important that factories adapt to electrificationsince the future is marked by this technology and not all centers are prepared to receive it. Luckily, positive news is arriving like the Stellantis factory in Zaragoza is running to produce a new 100% electric model.
It is about the Leapmotor B10the compact SUV of Chinese origin that is expected to go on sale in Europe during 2025. The brand, which is a joint venture in which Stellantis has 51%, is studying where to produce its new model, in which it has high hopes. Initially It seemed clear that it would go to the Tychy plant (Poland), but there has been a detail that has made them rethink the decision. And the Polish government supported tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and the manufacturer did not like that.
Spain abstained in this vote and that could make a differencealong with other details, so that the Leapmotor B10 ends up at the Figueruelas factory. They are currently carrying out economic and industrial feasibility studies, but these facilities would be very well positioned. The main reason is that there is room to do it, since the assembly line number 1 will soon be out of activity. The production of the Peugeot 208 is going to move to 2 along with the Opel Corsa and Lancia Ypsilon, which are the other models that are assembled in Zaragoza. We must not forget that Opel Crossland and Citroën C3 Aircross left a few months ago.
These facilities must be prepared for receive the STLA Small platform by 2027. There the difference will be made in terms of electrification, but it does not mean that they can be manufactured while the Leapmotor B10. Although it is still early to say and revisions would have to be made, another great advantage that the Zaragoza factory has is the proximity to the battery factory which Stellantis has confirmed after an agreement with CATL. The costs of manufacturing in Spain would be reduced and could be another key reason.
Regarding the discarding of Poland, still to be decided. Leapmotor, like other Chinese firms, decided to stop investments in those countries that voted in favor of the tariffs. However, it is still on the list of centers being considered to produce the Leapmotor B10, along with the German plant in Eisenach and the Slovak plant in Trnava. In Germany there would be higher production costs, while in Slovakia the conditions would be more equal with Spain.
