The Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor has announced the opening of its very first European innovation centre in Munich, Germany. This strategic project marks a shift from simply exporting to Europe to establishing a genuine local presence in the European market.
An innovation hub at the heart of the European automotive ecosystem
Leapmotor has chosen to set up its new hub in Munich, in the Schwabing-Freimann district. This is by no means a trivial choice, as the German city has established itself as one of Europe’s leading centres for automotive innovation, situated close to the R&D centres of many long-established manufacturers such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Opened on 20 March 2026, this European innovation centre aims to coordinate the brand’s design and development activities across the continent. Leapmotor is no longer content simply to export its models: the manufacturer now wants to design vehicles tailored to the expectations of European customers.
From design to R&D: a strategic hub for future models
In practical terms, this new centre will play a key role in the brand’s transformation. In particular, it will be responsible for developing Leapmotor’s future design language, adopting an approach that combines advanced technology with aesthetics better suited to European standards. The site will also be responsible for designing new concepts, incorporating market trends and the specific expectations of local consumers.
At the launch event, Yu Shuyue, director of Leapmotor’s global design centre, outlined the brand’s design philosophy using the new B03X as an example. Indeed, the new Leapmotor model aims to set a new benchmark among world-class SUVs
This centre forms part of a global organisation centred around three hubs: Munich, Hangzhou and Shanghai. This tri-regional structure is designed to enable Leapmotor to develop vehicles for the international market whilst retaining its brand identity.
A move that forms part of a broader European strategy
The opening of this innovation centre is no coincidence. It forms part of a broader strategy for expansion in Europe, driven in particular by the partnership with Stellantis.
Since 2023, following Stellantis’ acquisition of a 51% stake in the company, the two groups have formed a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the distribution of Leapmotor vehicles outside China. This collaboration has taken the form of a joint venture dedicated to international operations, enabling Leapmotor to draw on Stellantis’ industrial and commercial network in Europe.
So, naturally, this new centre based in Germany represents a further step forward in the Chinese manufacturer’s international ambitions. Locating its design operations directly in Europe is a key factor in adapting effectively and sustainably to the specific characteristics of the European market.
A record-breaking 2025 that is accelerating international expansion
The launch in Bavaria comes on the heels of record sales figures set in 2025. Indeed, the company, based in Hangzhou, China, delivered 596,555 vehicles worldwide, representing a 103% increase compared to 2024. The fourth quarter was particularly strong, with 201,039 registrations (+66.4% compared to the same period the previous year).
Financially, the brand also reached a significant milestone by turning a profit for the first time, with a net profit of around 540 million yuan. Its turnover, meanwhile, reached 64.73 billion yuan, an increase of more than 100% year-on-year.
These results will enable Leapmotor to accelerate its international expansion, particularly in Europe, a key market for the coming years.
A turning point in the manufacturer’s strategy
With the opening of this European innovation centre, Leapmotor is clearly taking its business to the next level. In an increasingly competitive European market, where expectations regarding design, quality and user experience are particularly high, this move could well prove to be the deciding factor.
It remains to be seen how this new approach will be reflected in the brand’s future models.
