NEW CAR BRAND HEADED TO SA

Another Chinese car brand is headed to our shores. Leapmotor was founded in China in 2015, but only sold its first vehicle in 2019.

Soon after that, Stellantis bought a 20% stake in Leapmotor and ventured into the European markets. If the name Stellantis sounds familiar, it’s because it also owns other car brands like Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Citroen, Opel, Jeep, Maserati, and Peugeot.

All these brands are available in South Africa, so it only makes sense to introduce Leapmotor as well. At this stage, it’s unclear whether Leapmotor will have its own showrooms or whether they will be sold alongside other sister brands.

Leapmotor’s focus is on electric cars like its SUV C10, which is categorised in the same bracket as the Ford Territory, Toyota Rav4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The C10 will be available in both the battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the range-extended electric vehicle (REEV). Its features include a minimalistic aesthetic with slim LED headlights and a closed-off front end.

TopAuto reports that the BEV is your typical electric car, employing one or more motors powered by a high-capacity battery, while the REEV is a bit more complicated, as it features a combustion engine in addition to the electrical components.

It also features large alloy wheels and a singular taillight bar.

Image credit: Top Gear