Opel’s Restructuring: A Leap into Electric Vehicles

Opel/Vauxhall, part of the Stellantis group, is set to lead the way in developing a new model using Leapmotor technology. However, this announcement brings little solace to the engineers who will lose their jobs within the company by the end of 2027.

Stellantis has confirmed plans to manufacture the Leapmotor B10 at its plant in Zaragoza, Spain, potentially starting production as early as this year. This move will mark the first time a Leapmotor vehicle is produced in Europe, thereby avoiding hefty EU tariffs imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles, which can reach up to 35.4 percent.

Collaboration between Opel and Leapmotor extends to the development of an electric SUV. While Opel will handle the design aspects at its headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, engineering work will be carried out in both Germany and China.

The upcoming SUV is expected to combine cutting-edge Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology with Opel’s expertise in design, onboard experience, chassis engineering, lighting, and seating technology.

The design of the new SUV appears to share some similarities with the B10, including its silhouette and door apertures, but will feature unique sheet metal and Opel’s distinctive visor face.

Both the B10 and the Opel SUV are likely to share a platform, motors, and battery technology, considering they will be manufactured in the same plant. The B10 currently offers two motor options – 132kW/175Nm and 160kW/240Nm – powering the rear wheels, paired with a choice of 56kWh or 67kWh battery packs.

With a length of 4.5 meters, the Opel SUV is expected to slot between the Frontera and Grandland models. Opel has confirmed a reduction in engineering jobs in Germany, with a shift towards focusing on artificial intelligence, lighting, driver assistance, software, and battery technology.

The Zaragoza plant, where the new models will be produced, currently manufactures the Peugeot 208, Lancia Ypsilon, and Opel Corsa, all based on the Common Modular Platform (CMP). This facility has been pivotal in the production of various Opel models over the years.

Looking ahead, Stellantis is exploring the possibility of producing another Leapmotor model at its Madrid plant from 2028, following the conclusion of the Citroen C4’s lifecycle. There are discussions about potentially selling the Madrid factory to Leapmotor.

Stellantis’s partnership with Leapmotor, which includes a 21 percent stake in the automaker and a joint venture outside of China, signifies a strategic move towards expanding its electric vehicle portfolio. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies in advancing electric vehicle technology.

For more insights and information on Leapmotor vehicles, explore the Leapmotor showroom.