Stellantis Malaysia Begins CKD Assembly of Leapmotor C10

Stellantis Malaysia has officially begun completely knocked‑down (CKD) assembly of the Leapmotor C10 electric SUV at its facility in Gurun, Kedah, marking the first Chinese‑brand electric vehicle (EV) to be locally assembled by the company in the country. The Leapmotor C10 is a mid‑size, all‑electric sport utility vehicle developed by Leapmotor, a Chinese automaker in which Stellantis holds a strategic stake. For Malaysian buyers, the CKD programme eliminates high import duties and allows the C10 to be priced competitively, addressing the growing demand for affordable premium EVs. The vehicle is designed for urban and suburban families seeking a high‑tech, zero‑emission driving experience with advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) and will be sold through Stellantis Malaysia’s authorised dealer network.

Key Facts

The Leapmotor C10 CKD programme positions Stellantis Malaysia to capture a significant share of the fast‑growing Malaysian EV market, projected to exceed 10,000 units annually by 2025.

Why Is Stellantis Assembling Leapmotor Vehicles in Malaysia?

Stellantis aims to leverage Malaysia’s strategic position and its Gurun plant to produce affordable, right‑hand‑drive electric vehicles for the domestic and ASEAN markets. By assembling the Leapmotor C10 locally, the company benefits from Malaysian free‑trade agreements, EV tax incentives, and a skilled workforce, significantly lowering the retail price compared to fully imported units. The move also supports the Malaysian government’s target of having EVs account for 15 % of total industry volume by 2030. According to the Malaysian Budget 2024, CKD battery electric vehicles are fully exempted from import and excise duties until 2025, allowing the C10 to avoid the 100 % excise duty typically levied on imported EVs.

“This CKD programme marks a significant milestone in our commitment to electrifying mobility in Malaysia, and it demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Leapmotor,” said Daniel Tan, Managing Director of Stellantis Malaysia, as reported by Carsifu.

Stellantis Malaysia’s Gurun plant CKD assembly of the Leapmotor C10 leverages Malaysia’s EV duty exemptions to offer a Chinese‑origin electric SUV at a lower price point, with first customer deliveries targeted for mid‑2025.

What Are the Leapmotor C10’s Key Specifications and How Do They Suit Malaysian Driving?

The Leapmotor C10 is a 5‑seat mid‑size SUV with a ~70 kWh LFP battery providing around 500 km of WLTP range, ideal for both daily commutes and interstate travel across Peninsular Malaysia. Its electric motor delivers 200 kW and 360 Nm of torque, achieving 0‑100 km/h in under 7 seconds. The LFP chemistry offers better thermal stability in Malaysia’s tropical climate, while the 500 km range easily covers a round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh without recharging. The C10 also features vehicle‑to‑load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power household appliances during outages – a valuable trait during the monsoon season. Its dimensions (approximately 4,750 mm length, 1,920 mm width) suit compact urban parking and typical condominium bay sizes.

The Leapmotor C10’s LFP battery and 500 km range make it a practical zero‑emission SUV for Malaysian interstate journeys, with home charging costs averaging RM 20–RM 30 per full charge on typical residential tariff rates.

When Will the Locally Assembled Leapmotor C10 Be Available to Malaysian Buyers?

Stellantis Malaysia has not announced an official on‑sale date, but the first CKD batch rolled off the Gurun line in March 2025, with customer deliveries likely starting by mid‑2025 after regulatory approvals and Sirim certification are completed. The timeline hinges on local homogation testing by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and final component validation. Pre‑booking may open in the second quarter of 2025, with the first units reaching showrooms in the third quarter.

The first customer‑ready Leapmotor C10 units are projected to reach Malaysian showrooms by the third quarter of 2025, pending final regulatory clearance and local component validation.

How Does the Leapmotor C10 Compare for Malaysian Users?

The Leapmotor C10 is designed for urban Malaysian families who need a spacious, zero‑emission SUV without the high cost of European or Japanese brands. Its compact footprint suits dense city traffic and typical KL parking bays, while the LFP battery and V2L capability address local concerns about heat stability and power outages. Compared to competitors like the BYD Atto 3 or Chery Omoda E5, the C10 offers a longer wheelbase (2,830 mm) and more interior room. Official pricing and final specifications are pending, but the CKD advantage should make it a highly competitive proposition. The C10’s CCS2 fast‑charging port is compatible with all major Malaysian public chargers, including Gentari, ChargeEV, and Shell Recharge. A 7 kW home wall‑box can replenish the battery from 20 % to 80 % in about 7–8 hours, ideal for overnight charging on off‑peak TNB tariff.

For urban Malaysian families seeking an affordable, long‑range electric SUV with strong after‑sales support through Stellantis’s nationwide network, the Leapmotor C10 presents a compelling pre‑launch option.

Common Questions

Prospective Malaysian buyers can look forward to local CKD assembly benefits, including a more affordable price, full digital features, and compatibility with the nation’s public charging infrastructure.

Will the Leapmotor C10 qualify for Malaysian EV tax exemptions?

Yes. As a fully electric vehicle assembled locally, the C10 is eligible for full import and excise duty exemptions under Budget 2024 incentives that run until 2025 for CKD EVs. Buyers also enjoy road tax exemption, lowering overall ownership cost.

What charging networks in Malaysia support the Leapmotor C10?

The C10 uses CCS2 for DC fast‑charging, compatible with all major Malaysian networks including Gentari, ChargeEV, and Shell Recharge. AC charging uses Type 2. Stellantis may provide a bundled home charger or free public charging credits upon launch.

Does the Leapmotor C10 come with a local warranty and after‑sales service?

Stellantis Malaysia is expected to offer a standard vehicle warranty (5 years/150,000 km) and an EV battery warranty (8 years/160,000 km), though official terms are pending. Servicing leverages Stellantis’ existing Peugeot/Citroën network nationwide.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based primarily on coverage by Carsifu (carsifu.my) published in March 2025, which detailed the start of CKD operations and included official statements from Stellantis Malaysia. Supplementary data on vehicle specifications was drawn from Leapmotor’s global product materials and cross‑referenced with Malaysian regulatory announcements. All currency values are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM); where global pricing was referenced in US dollars, conversion used the approximate rate of USD 1 = RM 4.70. Specific details such as pricing, warranty, and Sirim status are marked as pending where not yet officially confirmed. This article was last updated on 26 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against official announcements from Stellantis Malaysia and Malaysian government policy documents.

This article is derived from Carsifu’s March 2025 report and publicly available product information, ensuring all Malaysian‑specific claims are anchored in official announcements.